Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries aren't on the FDA's Food Traceability List — yet. But Walmart, Kroger, and Albertsons are requiring traceability for all foods, not just FTL items.
Berries have been linked to Hepatitis A and Cyclospora outbreaks, particularly imported berries. A 2023 Hepatitis A outbreak linked to frozen strawberries and a series of Cyclospora outbreaks linked to imported berries have kept this category under scrutiny. While not currently on the FTL, the FDA has stated the list may be updated — and berries are a strong candidate for future inclusion. More immediately, retailers aren't waiting for the FDA to act.
Events in the supply chain where you must capture traceability data:
Data you must record at each tracking event:
Major retailers have their own traceability requirements for berries, often stricter than the FDA's.
Get ahead of the FTL. Berries may not be on the list today, but your buyers are already requiring traceability. FieldToFile gets you compliant now.
PTI-compliant pallet tags for every berry variety — strawberries, blueberries, raspberries — with proper lot codes and GS1-128 barcodes.
Handle the fast pace of berry harvest — high-volume days, multiple varieties, rapid turnaround from field to cooler to truck.
Partner packing for berry operations — pack for other growers with their branding and quota attribution.
When the FDA adds berries to the FTL (and many in the industry expect they will), you'll already be compliant.
Berries aren't on the FTL today — but the retailers who buy 70%+ of produce in America are requiring traceability regardless. Smart berry growers are getting compliant now, while they have time to do it right, rather than scrambling when the FTL expands or a buyer mandate lands. FieldToFile makes it easy to start.
Your first truckload is on us — up to 56 pallets, fully compliant. No credit card.