Working Together to Strengthen Compliance with Food Traceability Rules
Eight leading food industry organizations have joined forces to tackle the challenges posed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s new Food Traceability Rule. Operating as the “Food Industry FSMA 204 Collaboration,” the group’s shared goal is simple and urgent: improve food safety and make it easier for companies to comply with the rule’s traceability requirements without losing momentum in day-to-day operations.
A Unified Push for Food Safety
The collaboration brings together the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), FMI – The Food Industry Association (FMI), GS1 US, and the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), among others. By combining their expertise, they aim to raise industry-wide understanding of Section 204(d) of the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act and help organizations translate the regulation into practical steps that work on the ground.
Clear Signals and Practical Steps for Action
The group is focused on delivering straightforward, consistent guidance that helps companies act. FSMA Rule 204 requires stronger tracking and tracing for foods considered high risk, including items like fresh produce and seafood. The goal is faster, more reliable information when it matters most. Collaboration is central here: coordinated messaging and shared resources give businesses a clearer path to compliance and a stronger foundation for food safety.
Principles That Anchor the Work
The partnership is guided by a few core principles: working together to make operations succeed, recognizing traceability as a key pillar of food safety, and standardizing the way data is captured and used. Education and training sit at the center of this effort. By helping teams understand and apply modern traceability approaches, the collaboration aims to protect the integrity of the food supply chain from end to end.
Supporting Compliance Across the Industry
FSMA Rule 204 raises the bar for the entire sector. In response, the collaboration is focused on easing the path to compliance—spotlighting proven practices, aligning on what “good” looks like, and guiding companies to the knowledge and tools that simplify the work. The intent is to reduce confusion, cut duplicative effort, and help organizations navigate a complex regulatory landscape with more confidence.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Leaders across the participating organizations have underscored their commitment to a coordinated approach. Steven Mandernach, Executive Director of AFDO, emphasized the crucial role of local agencies in responding to foodborne illness outbreaks and the need for strong partnerships with industry to strengthen prevention and response.
Leslie G. Sarasin, President and CEO of FMI, noted that FSMA Rule 204 is unlike anything the industry has seen before and will require significant investments in recordkeeping and data systems. She framed the collaboration as a practical expression of a shared commitment to equip all stakeholders to meet the rule’s demands.
Angela Fernandez, Senior VP of Market Development at GS1 US, pointed to the complexity of implementing FSMA Rule 204 across both U.S. and international agri-food sectors. The collaboration is designed to tap the experience of experts in food safety and supply chain operations to develop workable, scalable solutions.
Blake Harris, Technical Director of IFT’s Global Food Traceability Center, highlighted the urgency of the moment as organizations face impending compliance deadlines. He emphasized that targeted educational resources will be essential for building organizational understanding of traceability standards.
Phil Kafarakis, President & CEO of IFMA, stressed that manufacturers must meet—and often exceed—consumer expectations while adapting to new compliance realities for food-away-from-home offerings.
Mark S. Allen, President & CEO of IFDA, underscored how critical collaboration is among supply chain partners to strengthen food safety and fulfill the objectives of FSMA Rule 204.
Ed Treacy, Vice President of Supply Chain at IFPA, reinforced the value of coordinated industry efforts to streamline education and resources for member companies working through compliance challenges.
Looking Ahead
Ted McKinney, CEO of NASDA, broadened the lens, noting that the reach of FSMA Rule 204 extends well beyond fresh produce. He called for clear education and practical application of traceability systems so that food safety and public health benefits are fully realized.
About the Collaboration Partners
The Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) represents food safety regulators and is dedicated to public health and consumer protection. FMI supports the food industry by connecting stakeholders and advancing a safer, more efficient supply chain.
GS1 US develops data standards that improve supply chain efficiency and interoperability, while the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) advances food science through education and applied research. The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) focuses on the essential role distributors play in moving safe foods through the foodservice supply chain.
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) supports the fresh produce sector with advocacy and guidance, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) works with state agriculture leaders to shape policies that strengthen food safety across the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Food Industry FSMA 204 Collaboration trying to accomplish?
Its purpose is to help the food industry understand and comply with the FDA’s Food Traceability Rule—Section 204(d) of the Food Safety Modernization Act—by clarifying expectations and sharing practical guidance.
Who’s part of this collaboration?
Participants include AFDO, FMI, GS1 US, IFT, IFDA, IFMA, IFPA, and NASDA, among others, bringing together regulators, standards experts, scientists, distributors, manufacturers, and produce leaders.
What does FSMA Rule 204 require?
The rule requires stronger tracking and tracing for certain high-risk foods to support faster, more accurate responses to potential foodborne illness incidents. It places added emphasis on recordkeeping and data management.
How will the collaboration help companies comply?
By aligning on best practices, providing educational resources, and promoting consistent, clear communication, the group aims to lower barriers, reduce confusion, and guide companies toward effective compliance steps.
Why is education such a priority for this effort?
Education equips teams to apply traceability standards correctly and consistently. With clear training and accessible resources, organizations can build the skills and awareness needed to meet the rule and strengthen food safety.
