FDA recently published the Food Traceability Rule as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) which requires additional recordkeeping for entities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods that are part of FDA's Food Traceability List (FTL). The foods on this list were chosen due to their high-risk nature and history of causing foodborne illness. A major component of the Food Traceability Rule is the collection of key data elements (KDE) that are associated with critical tracking events (CTE); these are key pieces of information such as location, quantity, and date to be reported when doing specific higher-risk processing or preparation steps, including harvesting, cooling, and transporting. Collecting specified data will provide the consistency needed to improve traceback investigations, and the required traceability plan helps the food industry systematically maintain records. There is a need among retail food establishments, many who have not yet been subject to FSMA, for a rapid solution to learn about the requirements for this traceability rule and the best way to implement practices to adhere to the newly applicable legislation.
The Safe Plates team at NC State University, in partnership with NC A&T, The Ohio State University, and High Point University have developed a curriculum on the Traceability Rule for Retail Food Establishments, with a particular focus on small operators. Course participants will learn about the details of the Food Traceability Rule, such as what foods are subject, required data collection, key components of the traceability plan, and requirements for providing data to the FDA. Aside from the knowledge gained, operators will develop valuable skills to apply information to their establishment and work with their supplier for mutual compliance.
This course is available in multiple formats. Both formats include an interactive, asynchronous online component to learn the foundational concepts of the Food Traceability Rule. Part 2 is a live synchronous class and can be taken via Zoom or in person.
If you are interested in taking a course with us, please go to the course enrollment form.
Additional Food Traceability Rule Resources
This work is supported by the Food Safety Outreach Program award no. 2024-70020-43471 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
