Food companies and consumer groups say the need for uniform data across different input systems is among several challenges to compliance with a looming FDA food traceability rule.
During a public meeting hosted by the Reagan-Udall Foundation this week, groups reiterated some of the challenges detailed in a report released in September after a series of stakeholder discussions. Concerns include the timeline, lot code requirements and available technology.
Under the rule, scheduled to take effect in January 2026, food companies must collect new data to make it easier and faster for FDA to identify and remove potentially contaminated products.
While many companies have begun rethinking their systems to comply with the new requirements, technology is still a major concern.
IT systems may need to be designed or updated to handle new required key data elements. For example, a representative of Gorton Seafoods detailed hiccups with the number of digits in the required traceability lot code its warehouse system could handle.
Some have pushed for greater flexibility in traceability lot code requirements. However, Sarah Sorscher, director of regulatory affairs at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said the codes are essential to deal with outbreaks of food illness and to give consumers more trust.
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As at least a partial solution to some of the challenges industry faces, Sorscher suggested using a third party that can act as a technology translator and pull uniform data from different systems.
Industry representatives have suggested technology concerns are particularly difficult for smaller entities. Sorscher acknowledged these concerns and suggested giving smaller businesses more time to invest in the necessary technology, but also emphasized that the response to these concerns cannot be cutting entire sectors of the supply chain from the rule.
The meeting was primarily a public forum, and FDA did not react directly to the feedback. However, Jim Jones, deputy commissioner of FDA’s human foods program, emphasized the importance of data input and of the rule itself.
“There's no question that this is a heavy lift, but this is a rule whose time has come,” Jones said.
