Multiple Salmonella outbreaks linked to tomatoes drove FDA to include all fresh varieties on the Food Traceability List.
Tomatoes have been linked to multiple Salmonella outbreaks, including a 2008 outbreak initially attributed to tomatoes that sickened over 1,400 people across 43 states. The difficulty in traceback during that outbreak — which took months and was eventually linked to peppers — was a key driver behind improved traceability requirements. Tomatoes' complex supply chain (field packing, repacking, commingling) makes traceability particularly challenging.
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 tomatoes, often stricter than the FDA's.
Handle multiple tomato varieties packed in the same facility — each variety gets its own lot code and traceability record automatically.
PTI-compliant labels with proper GS1-128 barcodes for every tomato pallet, whether round, Roma, grape, or cherry.
Track greenhouse and field tomatoes separately with different growing area identifiers in the same system.
Partner packing for tomato operations — pack for multiple growers with correct branding and quota attribution.
Instant traceback across any date range, variety, or destination when a buyer or FDA asks questions.
Tomatoes are one of the highest-volume produce categories in the US, and they're on the FTL because of a traceback history that took months when it should have taken hours. FieldToFile makes tomato traceability fast and accurate — compliant labels for every variety, every pack style, every shipment.
Your first truckload is on us — up to 56 pallets, fully compliant. No credit card.