Enhancing Traceability: Preparing for FSMA 204’s New Standards in Food Safety  

By Shubh Singh

Regulations play a crucial role in preventing foodborne illnesses and maintaining food safety. With FSMA 204 set to come into full effect by January 2026, it’s imperative for companies to adequately prepare for increased traceability requirements. To comply, organizations must ensure that they have the right people, processes, and technology to support and adhere to these food safety regulations.

An estimated 48 million people in the U.S. get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die each year from foodborne disease, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Role of Regulations 

Food safety regulations serve as the backbone of consumer health protection. They set the standards for handling, processing, and transporting food to prevent contamination and spoilage. These regulations benefit consumers by preventing disease and death, establishing industry standards, and supporting informed behaviors and decisions.