As the food industry prepares for the January 2026 deadline for compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204 for food traceability, food processors are relying on advanced technologies to automate operations and collect and analyze data.
The traceability requirements are intended to enable faster identification and more rapid removal of potentially contaminated food from the market, thereby reducing foodborne illnesses and related deaths. The rule requires those who manufacture, process, pack or hold foods on the Food Traceability List to maintain records containing Key Data Elements associated with specific Critical Tracking Events and provide that information to the FDA within 24 hours or within some reasonable time to which the FDA has agreed.