Food Traceability is the ability to track and verify a food product’s history, and it is accomplished by using technology along with enhanced record-keeping processes. Food Traceability is key to tracking down the exact source of the food or ingredient in question, and finding where the finished food product has ended up. For example, if one of your food products does become contaminated, you can proactively locate the affected items, remove them from circulation, and take steps to track down the source of the contamination.

The FDA website provides guidance and information resources to companies that manufacture, process, store or handle food products. The mandate for your company to implement Food Traceability will go into effect January 20, 2026.

If you aren't sure the FSMA applies to your company, please review this previous post.