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"FSMA Deadline Looms: U.S. Seafood Industry Faces Readiness Challenges as Traceability Regulations Approach"
As the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), enacted in 2011, gears up for full enforcement in less than two years, concerns emerge regarding the seafood sector's preparedness for stringent traceability requirements, notably highlighted by Rule 204. This regulation, aimed at bolstering food safety standards, mandates comprehensive traceability measures for seafood products, a critical focus given the industry's heavy reliance on imports.
At the recent Seafood Expo Global held in Barcelona from April 23 to 25, trade experts sounded the alarm, warning of widespread unpreparedness within the seafood industry. Despite clear guidance from regulatory authorities like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there persists a prevalent disbelief among many companies regarding the law's imminent enforcement.
During a panel discussion titled "Regulatory Pitfalls and Traceability Requirements for Exporting Seafood Into the U.S. Market: What You Need to Know," Heath England, President of Trace Register, a leading provider of supply chain traceability solutions, emphasized the urgency of compliance. He underscored the misconception among seafood producers who expect intermediaries to manage regulatory requirements, stressing that compliance obligations fall squarely on manufacturers and producers.
Rule 204 mandates the assignment of traceability lock codes (TLCs) to all covered seafood products at the point of initial harvest, establishing a robust documentation system tracing product origins. The possession-based nature of FSMA's traceability requirements further complicates matters, extending obligations to entities involved in product handling at various stages, including third-party cold storage providers.
In response to these challenges, Trace Register announced a strategic partnership with ReposiTrak in mid-April 2024 to streamline compliance efforts for Rule 204. By leveraging ReposiTrak's extensive network and data-sharing capabilities, seafood suppliers can seamlessly transmit FDA-required data to retailers and wholesalers, ensuring regulatory compliance without disrupting existing supply chain operations.
Randy Fields, Chairman and CEO of ReposiTrak, affirmed the viability of FSMA 204 compliance within existing supply chains, emphasizing the platform's ability to facilitate seamless data translation and organization across diverse product categories, including seafood, produce, and deli items.
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