For Immediate Release: August 18, 2025
With the recent U.S. Federal Registry publication of the proposed delay in the compliance date for the FSMA Traceability Records Requirements (could have a link to the announcement here), the date for compliance officially changes to July 20, 2028.
The Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) has been active during the period as we collectively waited for this official announcement and are pleased to announce that Tim Graas of Associated Wholesale Grocers has stepped into the role of PTI Leadership Council Co-Chair upon the resignation of Tim York. Tim’s leadership and guidance over the past years, along with co-chair Steve Roosdahl, supported the creation of a library of guidance and best practices to support industry compliance with the US FDA FSMA 204 Rule. The Leadership Council, and the PTI sponsoring organizations thank Tim York for his contributions and welcome Tim Graas as industry moves to implementation and compliance with the July 20, 2028 date.
For many shippers, the reality of business means that they are required to comply not just with FSMA 204 but also with the Canadian Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). As with all country-specific federal regulations, differences exist between FSMA 204 and the SFCR meaning potential complexity for shippers who send product to both the U.S. and Canadian markets. To help navigate the regulations, the PTI has created the PTI Comparison – FSMA 204 & SFCR; a quick checklist of required data for both sets of regulations.
Industry is strongly encouraged to use the comparison document, and the suite of other resources available, to ensure everyone is ready for July 20, 2028 compliance. All resources are available at the Produce Traceability Initiative website at www.producetraceability.org.
About PTI
The Produce Traceability Initiative, sponsored by Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), GS1 US, GS1 Canada, and International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), is designed to help the fresh produce industry to maximize the effectiveness of current traceback procedures, while developing a standardized industry approach to enhance the speed and efficiency of traceability systems for the future. The PTI’s bold vision outlines a course of action to achieve supply chain-wide adoption of electronic traceability of every case of produce. For more information, visit www.producetraceability.org.