FMI Welcomes Trump Administration’s Stakeholder Engagement on Food Traceability Rule

Arlington, VA - Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) public meeting today on the Food Traceability Rule, FMI - The Food Industry Association reiterated the industry's support for the Trump administration's efforts to provide additional time and flexibility for compliance. FMI Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher offered the following statement.

"The food industry shares FDA's commitment to enhancing public health and improving the ability to trace products during food safety events and doing so in the most efficient way possible. FMI and our member companies have consistently advocated for an approach to traceability that supports public health while minimizing unnecessary costs and operational burdens throughout the food supply chain.

"We welcome FDA's recognition of the significant implementation challenges that remain and the additional time and flexibilities that need to be provided urgently in order for companies to be able to comply with the agency's rule. Extending the compliance deadline is an important step that acknowledges the complexity of implementing the Food Traceability Rule across a highly interconnected food system and provides an opportunity for food companies to identify and implement effective solutions.

"The second need that we have shared is the importance of additional flexibility and targeted improvements that will make the rule more workable while still achieving the agency's public health objectives in the most efficient way possible. FMI is committed to continue working to advance traceability solutions that also help keep food affordable for consumers."