How to Achieve FSMA 204 Compliance with Printing and Coding Solutions for Food Traceability

January 20, 2026, FSMA 204 compliance date marks a significant milestone in food safety regulations in the United States. From this date, businesses across the food industry must adhere to the new traceability requirements.

So, what exactly is FSMA 204, its compliance requirements, and what printing and coding solutions can food manufacturers and factories use to meet these regulations? Let's discuss these topics in detail.

What is FSMA 204?

FSMA, short for the Food Safety Modernization Act, is a significant U.S. law enacted by the FDA in 2011. FSMA 204 specifically focuses on food traceability and applies to foods sold in the U.S. market, including both domestic and imported products.

FSMA 204 Compliance Requirements

FSMA 204 requires that entities within the food supply chain, every entity in the supply chain, from manufacturers to distributors maintain detailed records for certain foods to ensure traceability in the event of a food safety issue.

This allows for rapid and accurate tracing of food products back to their source in case of contamination or recall.

FSMA 204 mandates that high-risk foods like dairy products, fresh produce, seafood, and ready-to-eat foods must be included in traceability systems. These foods are listed on the FSMA 204 Food Traceability List (FTL), perishable and often eaten without additional preparation, which increases their vulnerability to contamination. As a result, they are subject to stricter regulatory requirements to protect consumer health.

Key Requirements of FSMA 204

● Traceability Lot Code (TLC): High-risk foods must be assigned a unique TLC that follows the product throughout its supply chain journey.

● Key Data Elements (KDEs): Businesses must maintain records of critical information for each step of the supply chain, including the origin, transformation, shipping, and receipt of the product.

● Critical Tracking Events (CTEs): Harvesting, processing, and shipping must be tracked and recorded to ensure transparency.

The compliance date for FSMA 204 is January 20, 2026. By this date, all entities involved in the production, processing, packaging, and distribution of foods on the Food Traceability List (FTL) must have systems in place to maintain detailed traceability records. Failing to meet these standards could result in regulatory action, product recalls, and significant reputational damage for businesses.

Leveraging Printing and Coding Solutions for FSMA 204 Compliance

FSMA 204 places strict traceability requirements on the food industry, and label printing and coding solutions play a key role in meeting these standards.  

By applying unique identifiers, such as batch numbers, GS1 barcodes or data matrix codes, to products and packaging, businesses can enhance data accuracy, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with regulations. This helps quickly identify and isolate any problematic products during a food safety issue, minimizing risks.

As the compliance date approaches, food companies must accelerate the adoption of these systems.  

HPRT provides reliable, efficient, and flexible food coding and label printing solutions for food manufacturers, food processors, and logistics companies, helping you stay compliant while ensuring food safety.

Our products range from label printers, thermal transfer overprinters, to automated label applicators, used for flexible packaging coding and various label printing. These solutions integrate seamlessly into production and packaging lines, helping businesses enhance food traceability, regulatory compliance, and logistical tracking.

● High-quality Prints: Ensures clear and legible codes, including all common 1D and 2D barcodes, such as GS1 and Data Matrix, on product labels and flexible packaging films.

● Durability: Prints can withstand harsh environments, such as abrasion, heat, moisture, and chemicals.

● Variable Data Printing: Allows dynamic data such as expiration dates, batch numbers, and barcodes to be printed in real-time.

● Flexibility: Accommodates a variety of label sizes and food packaging types like bags, pouches, and sachets.

HPRT's printing and coding solutions have already gained widespread adoption across various food segments, including snacks, baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, and fresh produce.

To learn more about how HPRT can help your business achieve FSMA 204 compliance and enhance your food traceability capabilities, please contact us today.

Conclusion

FSMA 204 has significantly raised the bar for food safety and traceability. By understanding the requirements of FSMA 204 and investing in the right printing and coding solutions, food businesses can enhance their compliance efforts, protect public health, and build consumer trust.