UK and EU food producers have just two years to comply with FSMA 204 Final Rule

January 9, 2024 by Innovations Admin

UK and EU food producers have just two years to comply with FSMA 204 Final Rule: Affects producers of foods like cheeses, fresh produce, and fish/seafood

Food companies in the UK and EU that export products to the US, which are on the food traceability list (FTL), have until January 20, 2026 to comply with the country’s new regulations on traceability. An important development is the Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA) 204 Final Rule. This requires traceability data association for foods, including cheeses, fresh produce, and fish/seafood, that are listed on the FTL.

The Final Rule applies to not just domestic farms, food manufacturers, processors, packagers and restaurants but also to companies in the UK and EU that are selling or distributing food intended for consumption in the United States.

To comply with the regulation, food supply chain companies must maintain records with Key Data Elements (KDEs) linked to Critical Tracking Events (CTEs). It is QR codes that are recommended for traceability because they link specific product or batch information to update KDEs and CTEs across the value chain. If there’s a contamination recall, the QR code landing page can be updated with critical information to prevent consumers from buying potentially dangerous products. GS1 standards provide guidance on meeting Final Rule requirements.

“It might still be two years away but I would urge UK and EU exporters to get ready to meet these new US food traceability regulations,” says Robert Vines, Country Manager UK, Ireland and Nordics for TSC Printronix Auto ID. “As a priority, facilities needing to comply by January 20, 2026 should implement preventive controls, traceability systems, and recall plans. They also need to think about suitable QR code printers to uphold these practices. Our new TH DH series of desktop printers offer real versatility, like being able to print serialised QR codes for fresh fruit,” says Robert.

Learn more about the TH DH Series by visiting tscprinters.com or, email sales@tscprinters.eu

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