The Impact of FSMA 204 on RFID Adoption in the Food Industry
Table of Contents
The implementation of FSMA 204 is set to accelerate the adoption of RFID technology in the food supply chain. Industry organizations are actively developing guidelines and best practices to support businesses in achieving compliance and leveraging RFID Tags for improved efficiency and safety.
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The Significance of FSMA 204 in Food Safety
Foodborne illnesses affect millions annually in the U.S., prompting the FDA to introduce FSMA 204 under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Taking effect on January 20, 2026, this regulation mandates digital traceability for high-risk foods such as produce, seafood, and nut butter. By increasing supply chain transparency, FSMA 204 aims to enhance food safety and prevent contamination outbreaks.
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Key Requirements of FSMA 204
FSMA 204 compels food companies to maintain detailed records containing Key Data Elements (KDEs) linked to Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) like shipping, cooling, packaging, and receiving. Companies must provide these records to the FDA within 24 hours upon request. Additionally, businesses must develop a traceability plan to ensure compliance.
While the regulation does not prescribe specific technologies, RFID, barcodes, and 2D barcodes are recommended for efficient data capture. The Electronic Product Code Information Service (EPCIS) standard is also encouraged for structuring supply chain data. Organizations like GS1 US are assisting businesses in meeting these new demands through best practices and compliance guidelines.
RFID’s Role in FSMA 204 Compliance
RFID technology is poised to play a vital role in meeting FSMA 204 requirements by automating data collection, enhancing traceability, and improving supply chain efficiency. Unlike barcodes, RFID enables bulk scanning, real-time tracking, and greater data storage capacity, making it a superior solution for food traceability. Key benefits include:
Enhanced Data Accuracy: RFID minimizes human errors in data entry, ensuring precise and automated record-keeping of batch codes, shipments, and storage conditions.
Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility: RFID tags enable seamless data sharing across supply chain stakeholders, allowing for instant access to tracking information.
Compliance with Key Tracking Events: RFID supports FSMA 204’s requirements for monitoring harvesting, cooling, packaging, transportation, and receiving by automatically recording time-stamped events.
Optimized Inventory Management: RFID technology enables real-time inventory tracking, reducing waste, ensuring product freshness, and improving overall supply chain efficiency.
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