Fmi Urges More Time Flexibility To Comply With Food Traceability Rule

FMI Asks FDA for More Time, Flexibility to Comply with Food Traceability Rule

Food Marketing Institute: Give Us More Time and Flexibility to Comply With Food Traceability Rule

Food Marketing Institute (FMI) sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Jan. 26, 2023, calling for more time and flexibility to comply with the new Food Traceability Rule.

The rule, which was finalized in November 2022, requires food companies to establish and maintain a system for tracing the movement of food products through the supply chain. The rule is intended to help the FDA identify and respond to food safety outbreaks more quickly and effectively.

In its letter, FMI said that the rule is "overly prescriptive" and that it will be difficult for food companies to comply with the rule's requirements by the compliance date of Jan. 20, 2026.

FMI asked the FDA to extend the compliance date by two years, to Jan. 20, 2028. FMI also asked the FDA to provide more flexibility in how food companies comply with the rule's requirements.

The FDA has not yet responded to FMI's request.

Is the Food Traceability Rule Necessary?

The Food Traceability Rule is a controversial regulation. Some food companies support the rule, arguing that it will help to improve food safety. Other food companies oppose the rule, arguing that it will be too costly and burdensome to implement.

Arguments for the Food Traceability Rule

• Improved food safety: The rule will help the FDA identify and respond to food safety outbreaks more quickly and effectively.
• Reduced food waste: The rule will help food companies to identify and track food products that are at risk of spoilage or contamination. This will help to reduce food waste.
• Increased consumer confidence: The rule will help consumers to have more confidence in the safety of the food they eat.

Arguments against the Food Traceability Rule

• Increased costs: The rule will be costly for food companies to implement. These costs will be passed on to consumers in the form of higher food prices.
• Burdensome regulations: The rule is overly prescriptive and will be difficult for food companies to comply with.
• Limited benefits: The rule will not provide significant benefits in terms of food safety or consumer confidence.

What's Next?

The FDA has not yet responded to FMI's request to extend the compliance date for the Food Traceability Rule. It is unclear what the FDA will do next.

The FDA could grant FMI's request and extend the compliance date. The FDA could also deny FMI's request and require food companies to comply with the rule by the original compliance date of Jan. 20, 2026.

The FDA could also take other actions, such as issuing guidance on how food companies can comply with the rule. The FDA could also hold public meetings to receive feedback from stakeholders on the rule.