The FDA’s new traceability rules under the FSMA are important to understand in regards to the impact on your CPG business. These regulations are designed to enhance the traceability of specific foods, helping to prevent contamination and swiftly manage foodborne illness outbreaks. Make sure to review these new guidelines to keep your brand in compliance.

Understanding the New FDA Traceability Rules

You’re now responsible for adhering to the FDA’s Food Traceability List (FTL), which requires detailed recordkeeping for certain high-risk foods. This involves documenting Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) and Key Data Elements (KDEs) throughout your products’ journey in the supply chain. By creating a transparent path from production to plate, you’re not only complying with new regulations but also building a stronger, more resilient business.

Let’s walk through the impact of these new requirements on your operations and outline steps to ensure your company is fully prepared for compliance.

Impact on CPG Founders and Preparing for Compliance

As a CPG founder, the new FDA traceability rules mark a significant shift in how you track and manage your products. Compliance requires a proactive approach to traceability, ensuring that every step of your product’s journey is documented and accessible. This not only helps in isolating and addressing contamination issues swiftly but also demonstrates your commitment to quality and safety.

To aid in determining whether your products are exempt from these new rules, the FDA provides a flow chart that offers guidance through the exemption process. Accessing this resource can provide clarity and assist in ensuring your compliance strategy is accurately targeted. You can find the flow chart and more information on exemptions here.

Next, let’s outline the best practices for implementing effective traceability systems, which are crucial for ensuring your company is fully prepared for compliance.

Best Practices for Implementing Effective Traceability Systems

Now, let’s focus on how you can implement these traceability requirements efficiently. Developing an effective traceability system is about compliance, enhancing your operational resilience and being prepared for any food safety challenges.

Here are the FDA’s guidelines on developing a Food Traceability Plan

1. Technology Integration: Use a tool like Pantry.AI ’s order tracker to collate lot numbers and all the documents that may help trace back where an order came from (BOL, shipping docs, etc…).
2. Data Management: Ensure your data is accurate, accessible, and secure. Establish protocols for regular audits and updates to maintain data integrity.
3. Supplier Collaboration: Work closely with your suppliers to ensure they understand and comply with traceability requirements. This collaboration ensures consistency and reliability throughout the supply chain.
4. Training and Awareness: Educate your team about the importance of traceability and their role in maintaining it. Regular training sessions can help reinforce protocols and procedures.
5. Contingency Planning: Develop plans for potential traceability issues or food safety incidents. Knowing how to respond quickly and efficiently can mitigate risks and minimize impact.

By adopting these best practices, you’ll not only meet the new FDA requirements but also strengthen your brand’s commitment to quality and safety, setting a positive standard in the CPG industry.

Wrap Up

As a CPG founder, embracing the new FDA traceability rules is a strategic step towards enhancing food safety and consumer confidence in your products. By implementing robust traceability systems, you not only comply with regulations but also position your brand as a leader in quality and safety. This commitment can differentiate your products in the competitive market, fostering trust and loyalty among consumers.

Learn more directly from the FDA Here

Start preparing now to ensure your operations are fully compliant by the January 20, 2026 deadline, securing your place in the future of the CPG industry.

Curious on how you can automate order management, fulfillment and forecasting? Checkout Pantry.AI and learn how easy they make it for emerging food and beverage founders.