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FSMA 204 compliance starts with the right traceability foundation

Kezzler gives you the structured data capture, connected records, and audit-ready reporting you need to comply with FSMA 204 — on one scalable, standards-based platform.

Current challenges in food traceability

Food supply chains have long struggled with fragmented data, disconnected partners, and systems that weren’t built for regulatory scrutiny. FSMA 204 sets a new US federal standard in direct response to these gaps.

Organizations still collect relevant product data using spreadsheets, manual entry forms, and disconnected legacy systems. This makes it difficult to operationalize and share traceability data when speed matters.

Systems often capture and share traceability data in different formats and structures. Without standardization, combining and interpreting that information becomes slow and error-prone.

When product data is spread across systems, retrieving a complete product history can take hours or days. During investigations or recalls, that delay increases risk and operational pressure.

As transaction capture at the TLC level expands, the number of data points increases exponentially. Legacy systems struggle to capture and connect traceability data at that scale.

What does FSMA 204 require?

To comply with FSMA 204, businesses must be able to:

  • Identity products through Traceability Lot Code (TLC) and provide TLC Source
  • Record Critical Tracking Events (CTEs)
  • Capture Key Data Elements (KDEs)
  • Provide an electronically sortable spreadsheet within 24hours of request

The rule applies to any business producing or handling foods on the Food Traceability List intended for the US market, regardless of where they are based.

Traceability Lot Code (TLC)

A unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to a specific batch of food.

Traceability Lot Code Source (TLCS)

The physical location where a unique traceability lot code is first assigned to a food.

Critical Tracking Events (CTEs)

Points in the supply chain where this information must be recorded.

Key Data Elements (KDEs)

Critical data businesses must capture to trace food products, including lot numbers, dates, and supplier details.

    Which foods are included?

    The FSMA 204 Food Traceability List identifies foods that require enhanced traceability. The full list is maintained by the FDA and may evolve over time.

    Cheese

    Cheese

    Shell eggs

    Nut butters

    Leafy greens

    Tomatoes

    Tropical fruits

    Finfish

    Crustaceans

    Mollusks

    and many more.

      How Kezzler supports FSMA 204

      FSMA 204 requires companies to capture and share item-level traceability data across the supply chain. Beyond compliance, the challenge is bringing fragmented data together without disrupting the systems already in place. Kezzler solves both.

      Non-disruptive
      by design

      Works alongside your existing ERP, WMS, MES, and OT environments — no system changes required to get started.

      Flexible data ingestion

      Accepts data via API, ASN, or file exchange, so every partner can contribute regardless of their technology maturity.

      Performance at scale

      High-fidelity, low-latency retrieval keeps response times sharp as your data volumes grow.

      AI and
      future ready

      MCP-ready architecture turns today’s compliance data into the foundation for AI insights and digital twin initiatives.

      Configurable data capture

      Customizable data schemas let you capture attributes beyond the required KDEs — so compliance data serves broader business needs.

        From compliance obligation to operational advantage

        Connecting product data across systems provides a clearer view of inventory, product movement, and partner activity. This visibility helps teams make faster, better-informed decisions.

        Better product tracking improves visibility into how product moves through the supply chain. This helps teams identify risks earlier, respond to recalls with greater precision, and support safer food systems.

        Use harmonized, and contexualized traceability data to feed into deep analytics and AI-enabled applications to drive optimization strategies.

        Transparent product information helps companies demonstrate where products come from and how they move through the supply chain. This builds confidence with consumers, partners, and regulators.

        Strategic partnerships 

        Scaling food traceability through partnerships

        Achieving FSMA 204 compliance requires collaboration across the supply chain. Kezzler works with partners such as Rockwell Automation, DNV, and Provision Analytics to help businesses capture, connect, and share traceability data more effectively.

        Learn more

        From compliance to opportunity: FSMA 204

        Learn how traceability enhances food safety and efficiency.

        Download

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