The grocery industry has made great progress in adopting traceability solutions, bringing renewed urgency to modernize data capture and recordkeeping processes, said Jeff Cowan, senior director of customer success for GS1 US.

Many grocers and suppliers, for instance, are using traceability software to track critical tracking events (CTEs) and key data elements (KDEs) required by FSMA Rule 204.

But there are still opportunities for improvement, Cowan said — particularly in ensuring that data is accurate and consistently structured using global standards.

“Some companies are still relying on manual processes or proprietary data formats, which can create gaps when products move between supply chain partners.”

A more uniform application of global standards, like those from GS1, he said, will help improve data quality and make it easier to trace products quickly when needed.

GS1 US collaborates closely with grocery retailers, suppliers and solution providers to help them implement traceability systems that align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

That includes helping stakeholders prepare for the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204, which establishes traceability recordkeeping requirements, beyond those in existing regulations, for companies that manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods included on the Food Traceability List (FTL). A key part of that work, Cowan said, involves promoting the use of GS1 Standards for globally unique product and location identification, enabling end-to-end visibility of the FTL products as they move through the supply chain.

“These voluntary standards help retailers and suppliers identify, capture, share, and connect critical tracking information in a way that’s interoperable and scalable.”

GS1 US also convenes industry working groups and provides implementation guidance, including tools such as the GS1 US Application of the GS1 System of Standards to Support FSMA 204 guideline, to support companies on their traceability journeys.

Traceability, Cowan stressed, isn’t just a compliance exercise — it’s an opportunity to build a more agile, transparent and resilient supply chain benefiting businesses and consumers.

“By improving the way data is structured and exchanged across the supply chain, companies can respond more efficiently to recalls, reduce waste, and improve inventory management.”

FSMA Rule 204 has brought important focus to these efforts, but the work of implementing consistent, scalable systems is ongoing, he added.

Even with the FDA pushing back the compliance date of the rule, companies should continue to work on improving their traceability processes despite the extra time.

This work, Cowan said, will only improve the overall capabilities of retailers and their supplier partners.

“Collaboration and alignment around data standards will continue to be essential.”