“As FSMA 204 enforcement continues, effective traceability practices may provide a competitive advantage, influencing consumer preferences and market dynamics," said Joe Smirlies, senior vice president of product management at Invafresh.
Ensuring food safety in fresh food retailing necessitates collaborative efforts and partnerships among stakeholders, including retailers, suppliers, regulators, and consumers.
In the era of digitalization and technological advancement, the future of food safety in fresh food retailing is intricately intertwined with innovation.
Some changes to food safety regulations and processes that could be afoot following full deployment of FSMA Section 204 include a more risk-based approach to food safety management.
Implementing digital record-keeping systems can streamline this process, allowing for efficient tracking and retrieval of information in the event of an audit or inspection.
Smaller retailers may find it challenging to absorb the costs associated with compliance, potentially leading to consolidation in the industry or, in some cases, closures.
Compliance with FSMA Section 204 is not without its challenges, and businesses must allocate substantial resources to meet the regulatory requirements.
The records mandated by FSMA 204 include information that is kept in the normal course of business and some items that are not captured and shared immediately.