The FDA Food Traceability Rule, by topic
FSMA 204 sits at 21 CFR Part 1 Subpart S. FDA will not enforce it before July 20, 2028 (as at July 12, 2026). These guides explain the rule in plain terms and cite the section. General information, not legal advice.
What is FSMA 204 and the FDA Food Traceability Rule?
Where the rule comes from, who it reaches, and the shape of what it asks: a lot code, records at set events, and a plan.
Scope · FTLThe Food Traceability List, explained
Every category on the list, and what "contains a listed food as an ingredient" actually means for a finished product.
Timing · datedThe compliance date: why it moved to July 20, 2028
The 30-month extension, the appropriations directive, and why the substantive requirements did not change.
Exemptions · Art. 1.1305Are you exempt? The thresholds and carve-outs
The $25,000 small-farm test, the $250,000 retail and restaurant test, the kill-step exemption, and the role carve-outs.
Records · 1.1325 to 1.1350Critical Tracking Events explained
Harvesting, cooling, initial packing, first receiving, shipping, receiving, and transformation, and the data each one takes.
Plan · Art. 1.1315What a Traceability Plan must contain
The five required parts, the farm-map requirement for growers, and the 2-year retention of prior versions.