Understanding FSMA Section 204

FSMA Section 204, enacted in 2011 under the Obama administration, aims to address emerging food safety issues by promoting digital technology and traceability. The recently finalized Food Traceability Rule, implemented by the FDA on November 15, 2022, mandates the establishment of a Food Traceability List (FTL) identifying high-risk foods and imposes traceability recordkeeping requirements on relevant stakeholders.

Core Requirements of FSMA Section 204

The rule necessitates the creation of an FTL, encompassing high-risk foods such as non-pasteurized cheeses, nut butters, fresh produce, seafood, and deli salads. Stakeholders involved in the manufacturing, processing, packing, or holding of FTL foods must adhere to additional traceability recordkeeping standards. These requirements apply to both single and multi-ingredient products, ensuring comprehensive oversight across the supply chain.

Challenges and Impacts

Compliance with FSMA Section 204 poses several challenges for companies, ranging from data governance and privacy concerns to technology integration hurdles. Stakeholders must navigate data standardization, process optimization, and stakeholder coordination to meet regulatory requirements effectively. Moreover, the broad scope of the rule extends compliance obligations to diverse entities, including small farms, retail establishments, and global distributors.

Decapolis: Enabling Compliance and Value Creation

Decapolis empowers food producers to navigate the complexities of FSMA Section 204 while unlocking additional value across the supply chain. By leveraging advanced blockchain technology and smart contract protocols, Decapolis ensures seamless traceability and transparency, facilitating compliance with regulatory standards.

How Decapolis Helps

• Data Readiness: Decapolis facilitates standardized data management practices, enabling digitization and unique identification of supply chain elements. Through comprehensive data governance frameworks, stakeholders can ensure the integrity and reliability of traceability data from source to destination.

• Process Readiness: Decapolis assists companies in identifying and optimizing critical processes to maintain traceability throughout the value chain. By preserving the physical-to-digital link for each product, Decapolis minimizes the risk of traceability gaps and enhances recall readiness.

• Stakeholder Readiness: Decapolis promotes collaboration and coordination among supply chain partners to facilitate seamless data sharing and compliance adherence. By fostering a culture of traceability and providing training resources, Decapolis empowers stakeholders to embrace digitalization and regulatory compliance.

• Technology Readiness: Decapolis offers cutting-edge technology solutions to support data capture, management, and analysis. Through scalable and interoperable platforms, Decapolis enables companies to meet the evolving demands of FSMA Section 204 while enhancing operational efficiency and resilience.

Unlocking Additional Value

Compliance with FSMA Section 204 not only mitigates food safety risks but also unlocks additional value across the supply chain. By digitizing and standardizing traceability processes, Decapolis enables proactive recall management, enhances environmental sustainability, and optimizes supply chain logistics. From improved product quality to enhanced consumer trust, Decapolis drives value creation at every stage of the food production lifecycle.

Join Decapolis Today

Partner with Decapolis to navigate regulatory complexities, unlock operational efficiencies, and drive value across the food supply chain. Together, we can revolutionize food safety compliance and create a safer, more transparent food system for all.