FDA Food traceability Rule

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Scope, Applicability & Exemptions

Information on the requirements of the Food Traceability Rule (21 CFR Part 1 Subpart S).

PC for Human Food Manual

FDA Food Traceability Rule Info

FDA webpage for the FSMA Final Rule on Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods. Contains translated materials.

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PC for Human Food Manual

The Food Traceability List (FTL)

Foods on the FTL are subject to the FDA Food Traceability Rule (21 CFR Part 1 Subpart S).

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PC for Human Food Manual

FDA Food Traceability Rule (FSMA 204)

Official regulatory text for FDA’s Food Traceability Rule under 21 CFR Part 1, Subpart S – Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods. 

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PC for Human Food Manual

Compliance Date Notice

FDA notice on extending the Food Traceability Rule compliance date from January 20, 2026 to July 20, 2028.

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PC for Human Food Manual

Cottage Cheese Exemption Notice 

FDA notice outlining a proposed exemption for certain cottage cheese products under the FTR.

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PC for Human Food Version 2.0 Exercise Workbook

Food Traceability Rule Exemptions Tool

Interactive tool to help determine if you are exempt, partially exempt, or required to comply.

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Key Requirements

Resources, tools, and examples to help understand and implement the FDA Food Traceability Rule across different supply chain activities.

Hazard Guide Cheat Sheet
Food Traceability Rule - Quick Overview

Easy-to-follow guide for compliance with the Food Traceability Rule (FTR).

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Omelet Model Plan

Required Key Data Elements (KDEs) Tool

Lists the required information to be recorded and shared at Critical Tracking Events (CTEs).

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Omelet Model Plan

Traceability Lot Code (TLC) Info

Explains what a TLC is and how it is used under the Food Traceability Rule.

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Omelet Model Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to 100+ Frequently Asked Questions on the FDA's Food Traceability Rule (FSMA 204).

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Omelet Model Plan

Video Lessons for Supply Chain Examples

Narrated videos explaining FDA traceability examples for different supply chains.

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Recordkeeping and Documentation

Examples and templates for FDA Food Traceability Rule compliance.

Omelet Model Plan

Electronic Sortable Spreadsheet 

Sortable spreadsheet template for submitting traceability data (KDEs/CTEs) to FDA.

PDF      Excel

Fettuccini Marinara

Example Electronic Sortable Spreadsheet 

Sample electronic spreadsheet showing how to populate FDA traceability data in PDF format.

PDF      Excel

FDA Traceability Rule Model Plans

Traceability Model Plans by food sector—click any food type below to view its corresponding FDA-aligned model traceability plan.

Food Processors                     Seafood Processing Facilities
Farms                                        Aquaculture Farms

Restauraunts                          Distribution Centers

Sprouters

Looking for FDA Food Traceability Rule Training Modules and Exercises?

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FDA Guidance Documents on the Food Traceability Rule (FTR)

Appendix 1 Tables

FTR Questions and Answers

FDA draft guidance outlining current thinking on how to comply with the Food Traceability Rule (21 CFR Part 1, Subpart S).

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Hazard Guide Cheat Sheet
FTR Small Entity Compliance Guide

Guidance for small businesses on complying with the FDA Food Traceability Rule and its recordkeeping requirements.

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Questions and Comments Submission

FDA Technical Assistance Network (TAN)

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FSPCA Technical Assistance Network (TAN): University Extension Specialist Directory
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Comment on Proposed Regulations and Submit Petitions
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