Message from the IFSA Government Affairs Team: FDA Intends to Extend Compliance Date for Food Traceability Rule

On March 20, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a 30-month extension of the compliance date for the Food Traceability Rule, which was originally intended to go into effect in January 2026. As noted on the FDA website, the Agency will publish a proposed rule regarding the extension in the Federal Register at a later date. As noted in the announcement, FDA remains committed to implementing the final rule, but is offering an extension of the compliance date to allow regulated entities additional time to address any challenges to ensure full compliance.

The Food Traceability Rule establishes recordkeeping requirements for those who manufacture, process, pack, or hold those foods included on the Food Traceability List, including soft and semi-soft cheeses, shell eggs, nut butters, fresh cucumbers, fresh herbs, fresh and fresh-cut leafy greens, fresh melons, fresh peppers, fresh sprouts, fresh tomatoes, fresh tree fruits, fresh-cut fruits, fresh-cut vegetables, finfish (including smoked), crustaceans, molluscan shellfish, and ready-to-eat deli salads. Compliance with the Food Traceability Rule is critical for IFSA members and IFSA remains committed to educating our membership regarding requirements of the Final Rule.