FSMA 204 Compliance Software for Food Distributors
BFC Software offers an FSMA 204 Ready Warehouse Management System (WMS) designed to help food distributors comply with the FDA’s Food Traceability Rule by capturing and managing lot traceability records and key data elements throughout warehouse operations, ensuring full inventory control and regulatory readiness by the July 20, 2028 compliance deadline.
FSMA 204 Compliance Software for Food Distributors
Lot traceability for food distributors, built into your warehouse.
FSMA 204 is the FDA’s Food Traceability Rule. It requires food distributors and others who hold certain higher risk foods to keep lot traceability records, starting with receiving and shipping. The compliance date is July 20, 2028. A WMS captures traceability lot codes and key data elements as product moves through your warehouse. BFC’s WMS is FSMA 204 Ready.
BFC WMS + FSMA 204
For over a decade, BFC Software has been closely involved in food safety and traceability committees to ensure
that our software is always ahead of the curve when it comes to any upcoming regulations.
Benefits of a WMS for FSMA 204 Compliance
- Ability to import pre-receipt data
- Ability to scan barcodes (GS1, UPC, UCI, LPN, etc.)
- Capture key data elements at receipt, movement, selection and delivery
- Single, reportable data store for all KDEs and operational data
- Complete control of inventory
Want to learn more? Let's Connect!
FSMA 204 Resources
Take a deeper dive into the FSMA 204 Ruling with these resources
FSMA Final Rule on Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods
Learn which foods are designated as being on the Food Traceability List (FTL)
Great resource page by the IFPA, including sortable spreadsheet templates and more.
\
\
FDA Proposed Solution: \
\
Traceability Lot Codes
Read this opinion article regarding the traceability solution submitted to the FDA
\
\
Federal Register: Compliance Date Extension
FDA's proposed rule to push the Food Traceability Rule's compliance date from January 2026 to July 2028.
\
\
IFPA Webinar: Implementing FSMA 204
Watch a webinar BFC Software participated in where we discuss FSMA 204 compliance for food distributors and wholesalers
\
\
FSMA 204 Enforcement Pushed to July 2028
Congress barred FDA from spending enforcement funds on the rule before July 20, 2028 — here's how the deadline shift actually happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FSMA 204?
FSMA 204 is the FDA’s Food Traceability Rule. It sets additional recordkeeping requirements for foods on the FDA’s Food Traceability List. At its core is lot traceability: knowing which lot of a food came from which supplier and went to which customer, so contaminated product can be found and removed from the market faster.
What is lot traceability under FSMA 204?
Lot traceability means being able to follow a specific lot of food one step back to its source and one step forward to its customer. FSMA 204 does this with traceability lot codes (TLCs), which are assigned when a food is first packed or transformed. As a distributor, you typically receive the TLC from your supplier, keep it with the product, and record it when you receive and ship.
What is the difference between lot tracking and lot traceability?
Lot tracking is the day-to-day work of recording which lot is where in your warehouse. Lot traceability is the ability to use those records to trace a lot back to its source and forward to your customers quickly. FSMA 204 requires lot traceability, and good lot tracking is how you get there.
What records does FSMA 204 require?
You need to record Key Data Elements (KDEs) at Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) such as receiving, shipping, and transforming a food. The traceability lot code is one of the key data elements, and it ties your records together across each step. If the FDA asks, you must be able to provide the records quickly, within 24 hours.
How does a WMS help with FSMA 204?
A WMS supports lot traceability by capturing data as work happens, instead of relying on paper or after the fact entry. With BFC WMS, you can:
• Import pre-receipt data
• Scan barcodes, including GS1, UPC, UCI, and LPN
• Capture traceability lot codes and other key data elements at receipt, movement, selection, and delivery
• Keep KDEs and operational data in one reportable data store
• Stay in complete control of your inventory
A WMS supports your compliance program. It works alongside your supplier data and your written traceability plan.
How can food distributors prepare for FSMA 204 now?
Start by identifying which products you handle are on the Food Traceability List. Then ask your suppliers whether they provide barcoded lot numbers, GS1 barcodes, or traceability lot codes on what they ship to you. Name one person to own FSMA 204 internally, and check whether your current systems can capture lot level data at receiving and shipping. BFC has been part of food safety and traceability committees for more than 10 years, and we are happy to talk through where you stand.