8 food industry organizations team up to tackle FSMA 204 challenges

Several organizations say they have formed the Food Industry FSMA 204 Collaboration to help share clear, concise messaging and resources to help those impacted to prepare for the Food Safety Modernization Act Rule 204.

The group includes the Association of Food and Drug Officials; FMI, The Food Industry Association; GS1 US; the Institute of Food Technologists; the International Foodservice Distributors Association; the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association; the International Fresh Produce Association; and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, according to a news release.

“Implementation of FSMA Rule 204 requirements is a cross-industry challenge,” said Ed Treacy, vice president of supply chain for IFPA. “This collaboration will ensure that the resources created and education offered to our collective members are coordinated and aligned.”

Businesses have until Jan. 20, 2026, to become fully compliant with the rule.

“Food safety is the single most important issue that food retailers, wholesalers and suppliers focus on every day,” said Leslie Sarasin, FMI president and CEO. “FDA’s FSMA Rule 204 is the most significant regulation the food industry has ever faced and will demand tremendous investments for record-keeping, data management and systems changes. This collaboration demonstrates our collective commitment to sharing information and working together to ensure the food supply chain has the resources and clarity it needs for compliance.”

Mandates in FSMA 204 include a comprehensive tracking and tracing system for certain high-risk foods listed on the Food and Drug Administration's Food Traceability List, including fresh produce and leafy greens, deli salads and more.

The organizations said the Food Industry FSMA 204 Collaboration will provide a forum where business and government officials educate businesses and potentially help ease the burden of compliance. The initiative will promote awareness and understanding of emerging traceability technologies to help ensure the safety and integrity of the food supply chain, the release said.

More information about the Food Industry FSMA 204 Collaboration and to access combined resources and future educational opportunities from all participating organizations is availble online.

“Compliance with FSMA Rule 204 presents a significant challenge for U.S. and foreign agri-food interests, as it imposes unprecedented record-keeping requirements and necessitates the adoption of advanced traceability technologies,” said Angela Fernandez, senior vice president of market development for GS1 US. “By convening food safety, supply chain logistics and data management experts across many food segments, the new Collaboration aims to share best practices for meeting Food Traceability Rule requirements.”