{"id":3368,"date":"2026-11-11T12:34:16","date_gmt":"2026-11-11T12:34:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/?p=3368"},"modified":"2026-11-11T12:40:52","modified_gmt":"2026-11-11T12:40:52","slug":"fsma-204-compliance-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/governmentgrants\/fsma-204-compliance-us\/","title":{"rendered":"FSMA 204 Traceability by July 2028: What Food Processors Should Automate Now"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-1 is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-800b4e77 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:5px;border-top-right-radius:5px;border-bottom-left-radius:5px;border-bottom-right-radius:5px;background-color:#12263a;margin-bottom:20px;padding-top:10px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2\" style=\"line-height:1.4\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:6px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_efb816-8d:not(.this-stops-third-party-issues){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_efb816-8d ul.kt-svg-icon-list:not(.this-prevents-issues):not(.this-stops-third-party-issues):not(.tijsloc){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_efb816-8d ul.kt-svg-icon-list{grid-row-gap:35px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_efb816-8d .kb-svg-icon-wrap{font-size:10px;color:#ef8e27;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_efb816-8d ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap .kt-svg-icon-list-single{margin-right:10px;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_efb816-8d ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap, .kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_efb816-8d ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap a{line-height:1.2em;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_efb816-8d ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-level-0 .kt-svg-icon-list-single svg{font-size:20px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-iconlist kt-svg-icon-list-items kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_efb816-8d kt-svg-icon-list-columns-1 alignnone kt-list-icon-aligntop\"><ul class=\"kt-svg-icon-list\"><style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_9b7514-b7 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_9b7514-b7\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">FSMA 204 enforcement is scheduled to begin on July 20, 2028. Covered food manufacturers, processors, packers, and holders must maintain traceability lot codes, capture required data at critical tracking events, and provide electronic sortable records within 24 hours of an FDA request.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_c3d494-8b .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_c3d494-8b\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Applicability depends on the food being handled, not the size of the business. Products containing ingredients from the FDA&#8217;s Food Traceability List can also fall within scope, making ingredient-level assessment important.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_e956b4-77 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_e956b4-77\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">The rule requires written traceability plans, traceability lot codes, key data elements (KDEs), and records for critical tracking events (CTEs) such as receiving, transformation, and shipping.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_c37601-50 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_c37601-50\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Transformation is the most challenging traceability stage. Manufacturers must accurately link every ingredient lot to the finished product lot, including partial containers, late additions, rework, and materials added during production.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_208ebb-04 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_208ebb-04\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Manufacturers should automate ingredient receiving, dosing, batching, filling, coding, case packing, and palletizing to capture traceability data where materials move and maintain batch identity throughout production and dispatch.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_457100-63 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_457100-63\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Cybernetik supports food manufacturers with traceability-ready processing and packaging systems, including automated weighing, dosing, mixing, integrated line controls, bagging, case packing, and palletizing to help maintain reliable batch records and product genealogy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The deadline moved, which is why a lot of traceability projects stalled last year. It did not go away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">FSMA 204, the FDA&#8217;s Food Traceability Rule, requires anyone who manufactures, processes, packs or holds a food on the Food Traceability List to assign traceability lot codes, capture specific data at defined points in the process, and produce the records electronically within 24 hours of an FDA request. Enforcement now starts on July 20, 2028.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a processing plant, the work is not paperwork. It is knowing exactly which input lots went into which finished lot, on every batch, without relying on someone writing it on a sheet. That is a line data problem, and it is the reason this is worth starting well before 2028.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where the Rule Stands<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">The<a href=\"https:\/\/cybernetik.com\/contact.html\"> Food Traceability<\/a> Final Rule was published in November 2022 with a compliance date of January 20, 2026. In March 2025 the FDA announced a 30-month extension, publishing the proposed rule in the Federal Register in August 2025. In November 2025, Congress directed the agency not to enforce the rule before July 20, 2028 through the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2026, and the FDA has said it intends to comply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The legal position is worth stating precisely, because it affects how you plan. The extension of the compliance date was proposed rather than finalized, while the non-enforcement direction from Congress is binding. The requirements themselves did not change at all. Only the date the FDA can enforce them did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is also evidence the extra time is needed. In readiness exercises run with industry, a minority of participants managed to carry the required lot code correctly across every step the rule covers. Most of the gap is in handoffs between systems and trading partners, not in intent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Does It Apply to Your Plant?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The trigger is the product, not the size of the business. If you handle a food on the Food Traceability List, you are in scope unless a specific exemption applies. The list covers items such as leafy greens, fresh-cut produce, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, peppers, herbs, sprouts, tropical tree fruits, shell eggs, nut butters, soft cheeses, finfish, crustaceans, bivalve molluscs and ready-to-eat deli salads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two points catch processors out. Foods that contain a listed ingredient can remain in scope even when the finished product is not itself on the list, so the question is what goes into the batch, not just what comes out of it. And exemption from the federal rule does not mean exemption from the requirement, because customers who are covered will push the same data requirements up the chain through their supply agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What the Rule Actually Requires<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A written traceability plan.<\/strong> How you assign lot codes, who is responsible, and how records are kept and retrieved.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Traceability lot codes.<\/strong> A code assigned at defined points, which then travels with the product.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key data elements at critical tracking events.<\/strong> Specific information captured at each defined event in the supply chain.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Records within 24 hours.<\/strong> An electronic, sortable spreadsheet of the relevant records on FDA request.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rule does not mandate any particular technology. In practice, the 24-hour sortable requirement and the need to exchange data with trading partners make paper batch records and disconnected spreadsheets very hard to sustain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Events That Matter Inside a Plant<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seven critical tracking events run from harvesting through to receiving. A processing plant typically deals with three of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Event<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>What It Covers<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>What You Have to Be Able to Show<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Receiving<\/td><td>Taking in raw materials and ingredients on the list<\/td><td>The lot code received, the supplier, quantity, date, and where it went in your plant<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Transformation<\/td><td>Manufacturing, processing or changing the food<\/td><td>Which input lot codes went into which new lot code, the quantity, and the date and location<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shipping<\/td><td>Sending product to the next party<\/td><td>The lot code shipped, the quantity, the recipient, the date, and the reference to the transformation record<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/FSMA-204-Traceability-by-July-2028_-What-Food-Processors-Should-Automate-Now.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3386\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:5px;border-top-right-radius:5px;border-bottom-left-radius:5px;border-bottom-right-radius:5px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/FSMA-204-Traceability-by-July-2028_-What-Food-Processors-Should-Automate-Now.webp 1920w, https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/FSMA-204-Traceability-by-July-2028_-What-Food-Processors-Should-Automate-Now-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/FSMA-204-Traceability-by-July-2028_-What-Food-Processors-Should-Automate-Now-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/FSMA-204-Traceability-by-July-2028_-What-Food-Processors-Should-Automate-Now-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/FSMA-204-Traceability-by-July-2028_-What-Food-Processors-Should-Automate-Now-1536x864.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Transformation Is the Hard One<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Receiving and shipping are documentation problems that most plants can already handle. Transformation is different, because it is where many input lots become one output lot and the link between them has to be exact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Think about a normal production day. A blend uses three lots of one ingredient because the first tote ran out mid-batch. A minor ingredient is charged from a partially used bag opened yesterday. Rework from the previous shift goes back into the mix. A bulk silo is topped up between batches. Each of those events changes which input lots are inside the finished product, and none of them are reliably captured by a batch sheet filled in at the end of the run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">When an investigator asks which finished lots contain a specific supplier lot, the answer has to come back in hours, and it has to be defensible. That is the<a href=\"https:\/\/process.cybernetik.com\/\"> test worth designing <\/a>for, rather than the paperwork itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where Manual Records Break<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_67cba2-f9:not(.this-stops-third-party-issues){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_67cba2-f9 ul.kt-svg-icon-list:not(.this-prevents-issues):not(.this-stops-third-party-issues):not(.tijsloc){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_67cba2-f9 ul.kt-svg-icon-list{grid-row-gap:35px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_67cba2-f9 .kb-svg-icon-wrap{font-size:10px;color:#ef8e27;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_67cba2-f9 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap .kt-svg-icon-list-single{margin-right:10px;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_67cba2-f9 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap, .kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_67cba2-f9 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap a{line-height:1.2em;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_67cba2-f9 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-level-0 .kt-svg-icon-list-single svg{font-size:20px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-iconlist kt-svg-icon-list-items kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_67cba2-f9 kt-svg-icon-list-columns-1 alignnone kt-list-icon-aligntop\"><ul class=\"kt-svg-icon-list\"><style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_4d7b8f-8f .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_4d7b8f-8f\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Ingredients charged manually with the lot recorded after the fact, or not at all<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_cf5d48-d5 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_cf5d48-d5\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Partial containers returned to storage and reused on a later batch<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_17f3a2-a3 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_17f3a2-a3\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Rework added back without a record of which lot it came from<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_6c2883-f2 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_6c2883-f2\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Bulk vessels and silos topped up mid-run, mixing old and new lots<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_380f9e-d2 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_380f9e-d2\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Finished product from one batch spread across pallets that also hold another batch<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_041587-99 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_041587-99\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Coding applied at case level but not linked back to the batch record<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What to Automate Now<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not need a new plant. You need the data to be captured where the material actually moves, rather than reconstructed later. Four points on a typical line do most of the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_e753e4-3f:not(.this-stops-third-party-issues){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_e753e4-3f ul.kt-svg-icon-list:not(.this-prevents-issues):not(.this-stops-third-party-issues):not(.tijsloc){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_e753e4-3f ul.kt-svg-icon-list{grid-row-gap:35px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_e753e4-3f .kb-svg-icon-wrap{font-size:10px;color:#ef8e27;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_e753e4-3f ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap .kt-svg-icon-list-single{margin-right:10px;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_e753e4-3f ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap, .kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_e753e4-3f ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap a{line-height:1.2em;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_e753e4-3f ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-level-0 .kt-svg-icon-list-single svg{font-size:20px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-iconlist kt-svg-icon-list-items kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_e753e4-3f kt-svg-icon-list-columns-1 alignnone kt-list-icon-aligntop\"><ul class=\"kt-svg-icon-list\"><style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_4a9b4a-36 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_4a9b4a-36\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Ingredient receiving and dosing.<\/strong> Scanning lot codes as material is brought to the line, and capturing the lot with each weighment, ties input lots to a specific batch at the moment of charging. Automated dosing and weighing systems record this as a by-product of running, which is far more reliable than a signature on a sheet.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_5778b2-77 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_5778b2-77\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Mixing and batching.<\/strong> The batch record should be generated by the control system, listing every ingredient lot and quantity actually used, including late additions and rework. This is the single most valuable record in the plant for FSMA 204 purposes, because it is the transformation event.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_329cd7-63 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_329cd7-63\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Filling, bagging and coding.<\/strong> The finished lot code needs to be applied consistently and tied back to the batch. Automated bagging and filling lines can carry the batch identity through to the pack, which removes the manual step where errors usually enter.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_99e6d6-5e .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_99e6d6-5e\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Case packing and palletizing.<\/strong> Case codes and pallet identifiers close the loop between the batch and what leaves the dock. Automated case packing and palletizing make it practical to know which cases from which batch are on which pallet, which is exactly what a recall needs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Good Looks Like on the Floor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A plant that is ready does not look dramatically different from one that is not. The difference is in when data is captured and by whom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At receiving, the supplier lot is scanned into the system as the pallet comes off the truck, and the storage location is recorded against it. At the line, the operator scans or the system reads the lot on each container as it is charged, and the weighment is logged automatically. The batch record builds itself as the batch runs, including anything added late. The finished lot code is generated by the same system and printed on the pack, the case and the pallet label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nothing there requires a rewrite of your operation. It requires the capture points to exist where material actually changes hands, which is usually a mix of scanners, load cells, line controls and a decision about who owns the data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Cost Question<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traceability work rarely gets approved on compliance alone, because compliance spend competes badly against capacity spend. The argument that tends to win is recall exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A plant that can isolate affected lots in hours recalls a narrow slice of production. A plant that cannot has to recall by date range, which usually means far more product, more customer disruption and a longer investigation. The same records also shorten customer audits, speed up complaint investigations and give quality teams real batch genealogy for yield work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">If you are already planning an<a href=\"https:\/\/cybernetik.com\/contact.html\"> automation project for capacity reasons<\/a>, adding the data capture at the same time is a fraction of the cost of retrofitting it later as a separate exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Retailer Deadline Has Already Passed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For plants supplying major retailers, the federal date is not the one that matters. Large grocery chains have been rolling out their own traceability requirements ahead of the FDA, including advance shipping notices carrying the required data elements, standardized pallet identifiers and case-level barcodes. Some of those requirements took effect in 2025 and are already backed by chargebacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the practical reason not to treat 2028 as the planning date. If you supply or want to supply national retail, the data requirement is commercial before it is regulatory, and it is being enforced through purchase orders rather than inspections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Working With Trading Partners<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of the failures in the FDA&#8217;s readiness testing were at handoffs, not inside plants. Your lot code has to arrive with the goods you receive and leave with the goods you ship, in a format the next party can actually use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three conversations are worth having now. Ask suppliers of listed ingredients how they will send lot data and in what format. Ask customers what they will require, and whether they have already set a standard. And agree with both sides what happens when a shipment arrives without the data, because that exception will occur and someone has to own it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A 24-Month Plan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Map your products against the list.<\/strong> Include products that contain listed ingredients, not just finished items on the list.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Write the traceability plan.<\/strong> It is a requirement in its own right, and writing it exposes the gaps.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trace one product end to end on paper.<\/strong> Pick a real batch and try to answer the question an investigator would ask. Time how long it takes.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fix the transformation record first.<\/strong> This is where most plants fail, and where automation pays back beyond compliance.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Standardize coding and labels.<\/strong> Agree formats with customers now rather than after they mandate them.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Test the 24-hour response.<\/strong> Run a mock trace with real data and measure it, then repeat annually.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:29px\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-503\" style=\"width: 65px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Frame-1.svg\" alt=\"\"><strong>&#8220;Preparing for FSMA 204 requires more than purchasing traceability software. Manufacturers need connected equipment and reliable data capture at every critical production stage.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-luminous-vivid-amber-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-6 is-horizontal is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e8523bbf wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"text-decoration:none\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d9c85f36 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-thumbnail\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/minus-2-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-898\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/minus-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/minus-2-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/minus-2.webp 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cybernetik.com\/contact.html\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/cybernetik.com\/contact.html\">Cybernetik Engineering Team<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:34px\">See it in action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Drum Palletizer | Cybernetiks Drum Palletizer Automatic | Cybernetik\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LYaMOYYhwmM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Mistakes to Avoid<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_71495f-31:not(.this-stops-third-party-issues){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_71495f-31 ul.kt-svg-icon-list:not(.this-prevents-issues):not(.this-stops-third-party-issues):not(.tijsloc){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_71495f-31 ul.kt-svg-icon-list{grid-row-gap:35px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_71495f-31 .kb-svg-icon-wrap{font-size:10px;color:#ef8e27;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_71495f-31 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap .kt-svg-icon-list-single{margin-right:10px;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_71495f-31 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap, .kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_71495f-31 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap a{line-height:1.2em;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_71495f-31 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-level-0 .kt-svg-icon-list-single svg{font-size:20px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-iconlist kt-svg-icon-list-items kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_71495f-31 kt-svg-icon-list-columns-1 alignnone kt-list-icon-aligntop\"><ul class=\"kt-svg-icon-list\"><style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_f67682-c1 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_f67682-c1\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Treating it as a software purchase.<\/strong> A traceability system can only record what the plant captures. If the line does not capture the data, the software will store an estimate.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_dd9bde-73 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_dd9bde-73\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Leaving rework out of scope.<\/strong> Rework is the most common break in a lot genealogy chain and the hardest to reconstruct later.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_2ed932-38 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_2ed932-38\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Assuming exemption means exclusion.<\/strong> Customers can and do impose the requirements contractually.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_a2a764-8e .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_a2a764-8e\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Waiting for the final compliance date to be confirmed.<\/strong> The requirements are settled. Only the enforcement date moved.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_e0f3be-4b .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_e0f3be-4b\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Building for the audit rather than the recall.<\/strong> A system designed to satisfy an inspection is not necessarily fast enough when product has to come off shelves.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where Cybernetik Fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-7 wp-block-paragraph\">Cybernetik builds the <a href=\"https:\/\/process.cybernetik.com\/\">processing and packaging systems <\/a>where this data is created, supporting US plants through Cybernetik Inc in Summerville, South Carolina, with more than 6,000 installations worldwide since 1989. Traceability is easier when the line is designed to produce the record, not to have one written about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_4217a9-da:not(.this-stops-third-party-issues){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_4217a9-da ul.kt-svg-icon-list:not(.this-prevents-issues):not(.this-stops-third-party-issues):not(.tijsloc){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_4217a9-da ul.kt-svg-icon-list{grid-row-gap:35px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_4217a9-da .kb-svg-icon-wrap{font-size:10px;color:#ef8e27;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_4217a9-da ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap .kt-svg-icon-list-single{margin-right:10px;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_4217a9-da ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap, .kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_4217a9-da ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap a{line-height:1.2em;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_4217a9-da ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-level-0 .kt-svg-icon-list-single svg{font-size:20px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-iconlist kt-svg-icon-list-items kt-svg-icon-list-items3368_4217a9-da kt-svg-icon-list-columns-1 alignnone kt-list-icon-aligntop\"><ul class=\"kt-svg-icon-list\"><style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_7f178f-8f .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_7f178f-8f\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Batching and dosing that record what was actually used.<\/strong> Automated weighing, sifting, transfer and mixing systems capture ingredient lots and quantities at the point of charging, which is the transformation event the rule turns on.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_8a996c-64 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_8a996c-64\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Controls that hand data to your systems.<\/strong> Line controls can pass batch records to an ERP or traceability platform rather than leaving an operator to key them in.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_b1c002-79 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_b1c002-79\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>End-of-line identity that holds.<\/strong> Bagging, case packing and palletizing that keep the batch identity intact from the filler to the pallet.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_0f270e-08 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3368_0f270e-08\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Design for the products you actually run.<\/strong> Rework loops, partial containers and shared vessels are normal in food plants, and they are where traceability breaks. They belong in the line design conversation, not in a workaround.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We do not provide regulatory advice or certify compliance. Work with your food safety team or a qualified consultant on the plan itself. Our part is making sure the equipment produces records you can rely on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-8 is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-bcf883e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:5px;border-top-right-radius:5px;border-bottom-left-radius:5px;border-bottom-right-radius:5px;background-color:#12263a;margin-bottom:20px;padding-top:20px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-container-content-29dca9c1\" style=\"font-size:34px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;line-height:1.4\">Want to know more about our solution?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons wp-container-content-69bc4bdf is-content-justification-right is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-88867f99 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:6;padding-right:6;padding-bottom:6;padding-left:6\">\n<div style=\"--wp--block-button--width: 100;\" class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill has-custom-width wp-block-button__width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-right wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/meetings-eu1.hubspot.com\/anand-gaikar\" style=\"background-color:#ee8d26;padding-top:10px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:20px\">Book a call<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><strong>Frequently asked questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:14px;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;background:#ffffff;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:0px solid #949494;border-right:0px solid #949494;border-bottom:1px solid #abb8c3;border-left:0px solid #949494;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;background:#ffffff;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-md, 1.25rem);line-height:1.5em;letter-spacing:-0.1px;font-weight:400;text-transform:capitalize;color:#12263a;padding-top:14px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:16px;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#12263a;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#12263a;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{color:#12263a;background:#ffffff;border-top-color:#474747;border-right-color:#474747;border-bottom-color:#474747;border-left-color:#474747;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion--visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ff6900;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#ff6900;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{color:#12263a;background:#ffffff;border-top-color:#abb8c3;border-right-color:#abb8c3;border-bottom-color:#abb8c3;border-left-color:#abb8c3;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ff6900;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#ff6900;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ffffff;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:0px solid #949494;border-right:0px solid #949494;border-bottom:1px solid #abb8c3;border-left:0px solid #949494;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top-color:#474747;border-right-color:#474747;border-bottom-color:#474747;border-left-color:#474747;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top-color:#abb8c3;border-right-color:#abb8c3;border-bottom-color:#abb8c3;border-left-color:#abb8c3;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{display:block;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa .kt-accordion-inner-wrap .kt-accordion-pane:not(:first-child){margin-top:14px;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:0px solid #949494;border-right:0px solid #949494;border-bottom:1px solid #abb8c3;border-left:0px solid #949494;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top-color:#474747;border-right-color:#474747;border-bottom-color:#474747;border-left-color:#474747;}.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top-color:#abb8c3;border-right-color:#abb8c3;border-bottom-color:#abb8c3;border-left-color:#abb8c3;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-accordion alignnone\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-wrap kt-accordion-id3368_284a72-fa kt-accordion-has-19-panes kt-active-pane-0 kt-accordion-block kt-pane-header-alignment-left kt-accodion-icon-style-none kt-accodion-icon-side-right\" style=\"max-width:none\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-inner-wrap\" data-allow-multiple-open=\"false\" data-start-open=\"0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-1 kt-pane3368_36b88b-1d\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">When is the FSMA 204 compliance deadline?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">July 20, 2028. The original date was January 20, 2026, and the FDA proposed a 30-month extension in 2025. Congress then directed the agency not to enforce the rule before July 20, 2028, and the FDA has said it intends to comply.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-2 kt-pane3368_62aa66-59\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Who has to comply with the Food Traceability Rule?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anyone who manufactures, processes, packs or holds a food on the FDA&#8217;s Food Traceability List, unless a specific exemption applies. Products that contain a listed food as an ingredient can also be in scope, so the assessment should start with your bill of materials.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-3 kt-pane3368_b2ae6c-ac\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">What are CTEs and KDEs?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Critical tracking events are the defined points in the supply chain where records must be kept, such as receiving, transformation and shipping. Key data elements are the specific pieces of information you have to capture at each of those events, anchored by a traceability lot code.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-11 kt-pane3368_e6f4fa-ef\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Does FSMA 204 require specific software?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. The rule is technology neutral. However, records must be provided to the FDA as an electronic sortable spreadsheet within 24 hours of a request, and data has to line up with trading partners, which makes paper-based systems impractical for most covered plants.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-18 kt-pane3368_a5769b-36\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">What is the hardest part of FSMA 204 for a processing plant?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transformation. Linking every input lot to the finished lot it ended up in, including partial containers, late additions and rework, is the step most plants cannot currently evidence quickly, and it is the part that benefits most from automated batching and dosing records.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10 wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FSMA 204, the FDA&#8217;s Food Traceability Rule, requires anyone who manufactures, processes, packs or holds a food on the Food Traceability List to assign traceability lot codes,&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3386,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[33],"class_list":["post-3368","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-governmentgrants","tag-government-grants"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>FSMA 204 Compliance: What Food Plants Must Automate by 2028<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"FSMA 204 compliance for food processors: the July 20, 2028 date, CTEs and KDEs, why transformation is the hard part, and what to automate on your line now.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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