Experts discuss preparation for FSMA 204 compliance

Produce distributors must act now to meet the new traceability requirements under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204 by January 2026, according to food safety experts.

During a recent Produce Distributors Association (PDA) webinar, Jennifer McEntire, Ph.D., founder of Food Safety Strategy, and Dave Donat, principal at DRD Produce Consulting, discussed the rule’s impact and the importance of having robust food traceability plans in place.

FSMA 204(d) focuses on keeping detailed records for products on the FDA’s Food Traceability List, which includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and cut produce. Distributors must track Key Data Elements (KDE) and Critical Tracking Events (CTE) and be prepared to provide the FDA with traceability data within 24 hours of a request.

“It’s the law, and customers are already asking about compliance,” Donat said, urging distributors to create plans now to avoid future challenges. McEntire emphasized that even though enforcement won’t begin until 2027, the earlier businesses are prepared, the better they can handle potential recalls.

The PDA offers resources to help members navigate FSMA compliance and will hold its annual meeting on Dec. 10 at the New York Produce Show.

For more information, visit producedistributorsassociation.org.