Update from the Deputy Commissioner for Human Food - Enhancing Traceability: Insights from Reagan-Udall Foundation Roundtables and Upcoming Public Engagement

Constituent Update

September 4, 2024

By Jim Jones, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods

Over the last several months I, along with my colleagues, have been visiting food facilities and meeting with members of the food industry to learn more about the work they are doing to implement the Food Traceability Final Rule. This rule is a key component of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and when fully implemented will greatly enhance public health by facilitating faster identification and rapid removal of potentially contaminated food from the market. While we have heard broad support for the rule and its benefits, we have also heard a number of concerns from industry about how we get there. Today, I want to provide an update on what we have been doing to support industry implementation. 

First, I want to share that the agency has and continues to release resources that can be used by industry to support implementation. This includes FAQs, illustrative supply chain examples, fact sheets, and translations, all available on the Food traceability landing page on FDA.gov. Today, the agency also released a video walk-through of all available resources on FDA.gov. While we hope these resources are helpful, we also understand more support may be needed. 

A few months ago, the FDA worked with the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA to host three roundtables’ discussions on the Food Traceability Rule. The participants for these roundtables were carefully chosen through interviews with major trade associations and firms that have been actively implementing the rule, ensuring a diverse representation of commodity types, firm sizes, and roles within the supply chain. The purpose of these roundtables was to gain insight into industry perspectives on implementing the Food Traceability Rule and to identify challenges that specific sectors of the supply chain may be facing. Through small-group settings, the roundtables facilitated cross-sector dialogue, where industry representatives were able to share concerns and discuss strategies that could support successful implementation. It was important for us to start here, with small group discussions, given the complexity of this rule which, unlike most other FSMA rules, can impact each step of the supply chain for certain commodities and requires sequential sharing of information. 

But we want to hear all perspectives, so the FDA is once again working with the Foundation, this time to facilitate a public meeting on October 7 that will review what was discussed during the roundtable discussions and provide others the opportunity to offer feedback. A summary of the Foundation roundtable discussions is available on the Foundation website. The public meeting will be virtual, and registration will be required.  Additionally, there will be an open period for comments until October 25.  

In addition to our collaborations with the Foundation, I have also met personally with dozens of stakeholders, and in some cases my team and I have visited their facilities and distribution centers, as part of our ongoing process to make sure we are supporting industry through implementation of this rule.

Together these activities will help to inform what additional steps the FDA can take to support implementation of this important regulation. Any stakeholders that have questions or concerns about the rule can contact us through the FSMA Technical Assistance Network. 

For registration details and further information about attending the public meeting, please visit the Foundation website.