The FDAs recently proposed Food Traceability Rule may start with a list of problematic food products, but the bigger goal is better traceability throughout the food supply.

The agency on Sept. 21 announced “Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods,” a proposal to establish additional traceability recordkeeping requirements for certain foods, including leafy greens, fresh cut fruits and vegetables, some types of fish, shell eggs and nut butters.

The rule follows a number of recent foodborne illness outbreaks that involved produce, and they proved to be some of the most difficult to trace back to the source. This new rule is intended to make it easier to rapidly and effectively track the movement of a food in the event of a foodborne illness outbreak.

"While FDA recognizes that many companies and organizations have developed strong traceability practices, there have also been instances in which insufficient data, delayed access to data, and incompatible traceability programs have hindered FDA’s ability to effectively investigate and respond to food safety outbreaks," writes The Acheson Group, a food safety consultancy headed by David Acheson, former FDA  Associate Commissioner of Foods. For TAGs deeper dive on the subject, click here.