The Building Blocks of FSMA 204 Requirements:
Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) and Key Data Elements (KDEs)
Ensuring Transparency and Accountability in the Produce Industry
The food industry is constantly evolving, with new regulations and standards put in place to ensure the safety of consumers. With the implementation of the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), businesses in the fresh produce industry are required to comply with strict food safety standards to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Having a reliable food safety system in place is essential for protecting consumers and maintaining the reputation of your business. By implementing Reserva's ERP software, businesses in the produce industry can streamline their traceability processes and ensure quick response times during recalls or audits, ultimately enhancing the overall safety of the food supply chain.
How Reserva Supports Your Business Achieve Compliance:
The implementation process for achieving compliance involves creating a detailed FSMA 204 traceability plan that outlines how KDEs will be captured at each CTE.
Reserva's advanced ERP software solutions are uniquely positioned to support businesses in achieving full FSMA compliance. By capturing and organizing Key Data Elements (KDEs) at Critical Tracking Events (CTEs), Reserva ensures seamless traceability throughout the supply chain. Businesses can automate data collection, assign lot codes, and maintain detailed records to meet the recordkeeping requirements of the food traceability rule.
Critical Tracking Events (CTEs)
Specific points in the food supply chain where products are handled, processed, transformed, or moved.
Harvesting:
Record when and where produce is picked using Harvest Receipts, Field Tickets, and Grower Receipts
Initial Cooling:
Ensure proper temperature control with Cooling Logs, Facility Receipts, and Temperature Records.
Packing and Processing:
Identify lot codes and track repacking with Packing Slips, Work Orders, and Quality Reports.
Storage and Holding:
Monitor inventory and storage conditions with Receiving Tickets, Adjustment Records, and Temperature Logs.
Shipping and Transportation:
Track product movement with Bills of Lading, Carrier Confirmations, and Temperature Monitoring Logs
Receiving:
Verify shipments and compliance with Receiving Receipts, Quality Inspection Reports, and Inventory Records.
Final Distribution and Sale:
Ensure accurate identification at the point of sale with Sales Orders, Delivery Tickets, and Shipment Confirmations.
Disposal or Removal:
Properly document disposal and waste with Exception Reports, Recall Notices, and Disposal Records.
Reserva simplifies tracking Critical Tracking Events (CTEs)
and Key Data Elements (KDEs) across your entire supply chain.
Join us and Take Control of Your Food Safety Strategy Today.
Key Data Elements (KDEs)
Pieces of information that must be captured at each CTE to ensure a comprehensive traceability system.
Harvesting KDEs:
Grower Receipt / Harvest Ticket
• Grower identification (name, farm location, ID)
• Harvest date and time
• Field/farm identification
• Lot or batch number
• Product type and variety
• Quantity harvested (weight/count)
• Harvest crew details (if applicable)
Initial Cooling KDEs:
Cooling Log / Temperature Control Record
• Date/time of cooling initiation and completion
• Cooling method used
• Initial and final product temperatures
• Cooling facility ID and location
• Lot or batch ID after cooling
Packing and Processing KDEs:
Packing Slip / Production Work Order
• Packing date and time
• Facility identification and location
• Lot or batch identification post-packing
• Product descriptions (grade, size, packaging)
• Quantity packed
• Packaging materials and label details (GTIN/PTI information)
Storage and Holding KDEs:
Warehouse Receiving Ticket / Storage Temperature Log
• Storage entry and exit dates/times
• Storage facility/location ID
• Storage conditions (temperature, humidity)
Lot/batch number during storage
• Inventory adjustments and reason (quantity/date)
Shipping and Transportation KDEs:
Bill of Lading (BOL) / Shipping Manifest
• Carrier identification (name, vehicle/trailer ID)
• Origin and destination addresses
• Shipment date/time and expected delivery
• Lot or batch number shipped
• Quantity shipped
• Temperature monitoring records during transit
Receiving KDEs:
Receiving Receipt / Inbound Inspection Report
• Receipt date/time
• Receiving facility ID/location
• Quantity received (comparison with shipment documentation)
• Inspection results (quality/temperature validation)
• Lot/batch numbers of products received
• Signatures or confirmation documentation
Final Distribution and Sale KDEs:
Sales Order / Delivery Ticket / Customer Invoice
• Date and time of sale or distribution
• Final customer identification/location
• Lot/batch numbers delivered to customers
• Quantity distributed/sold
• Associated transaction documentation (invoice numbers, delivery confirmation)
Disposal or Removal KDEs:
Disposal Authorization / Product Recall Notice
• Reason for disposal/removal (recall, quality, spoilage)
• Quantity removed from the supply chain
• Disposal method/location
• Disposal date/time
• Documentation confirming disposal (authorization, signature)
The Future of Food Traceability
As the FSMA 204 compliance date approaches in January 2026, business must invest in robust traceability solutions to meet regulatory requirements. Reserva not only simplifies compliance but also enhances operational efficiency and food safety. With its innovative technology and deep industry expertise, it's the go-to FSMA software for fresh produce business.
The ability to quickly access and share accurate tracking data is critical in minimizing risks and ensuring consumer safety. Transform compliance into strategic advantage, ensuring food safety, consumer trust, and business sucess.