On September 23, 2020, the FDA issues a proposed rule entitled “Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods”.  The proposed rule would establish additional traceability recordkeeping requirements beyond what already exists for foods that appear on a newly published “Food Traceability List”.  One category included on the new list is “Herbs (fresh)”.  Examples provided include fresh parsley, cilantro, and basil.  Food products containing ingredients on the list would be subject to the same traceability requirements up to the point of retail.

Under the proposed rule, the creator or first receiver of listed foods would be required to create a lot specific tractability code for the food which would follow the food through the supply chain until a documented kill step is applied or the food lot enters retail sale.  Other companies along the way that handle, ship, process, or transform the food would also need to maintain recordkeeping.  The comment period for this proposed rule ends on January 21, 2021.

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Posted on 5 November 2020