FDA Extends Compliance Deadline for FSMA 204 Traceability Rule
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a 30-month delay in the compliance date for the Food Traceability Final Rule, extending the original deadline from January 20, 2026 to July 20, 2028. This decision has sparked mixed reactions across the food industry, consumer advocacy groups, and regulatory stakeholders. Background of FSMA 204 and the Food Traceability Final Rule FSMA 204, a key component of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) enacted in 2010, mandates stricter traceability requirements for certain high-risk foods. The rule requires manufacturers, processors, packers, and holders of food on the Food Traceability List (FTL) to maintain and provide traceability records, which include Key Data Elements (KDEs) related to Critical Tracking Events (CTEs). These records aim to enhance food safety by enabling rapid identification and removal of contaminated products from the market. Following significant delays in its development, the...