One of the main challenges supermarket operators face in complying with FSMA Section 204 is the complexity of their supply chains. Tracking the movement of food from farm to shelf can be a difficult task due to the large number of suppliers, distributors, and transportation partners involved. To address this challenge, many supermarkets have invested in advanced technological solutions such as digital record-keeping systems and blockchain technology.
1. Digital record management systems allow supermarkets to maintain comprehensive records of all food-related activities, including sourcing, handling, storage, and transportation. These systems enable real-time data collection, providing immediate access to critical information in the event of a food safety issue or regulatory inspection. Additionally, digital records are less susceptible to errors and tampering, increasing the integrity and reliability of information.
2. Blockchain technology, with its decentralized and immutable ledger, provides greater transparency and traceability to the food supply chain. Blockchain allows stakeholders to track the movement of food from farm to fork with unparalleled accuracy by recording transactions in a secure and transparent manner. Supermarkets leveraging blockchain technology can quickly trace the origin of contaminated products, facilitating targeted recalls and minimizing the impact on public health.
“We see food retailers adopting several new technologies to comply with FSMA 204. Blockchain gives retailers peace of mind that their data is stored securely and immutably. Most operational systems only store detailed data for short periods of time,” said Andrew Kennedy, Principal Traceability Advisor at iFoodDS, a food safety management solutions provider.
“IoT devices are gaining traction in the food retail industry, offering a way to transmit not only FSMA 204 data, but also other data critical to product quality and freshness, such as temperature and humidity data, shipping, Some companies will adopt new software applications aimed at capturing and sharing FSMA 204 data during critical tracking events such as receipt and conversion.”
