Every traceability term a produce grower needs to know — in plain language.
A rule under the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act requiring additional traceability records for foods on the Food Traceability List. Covers Key Data Elements (KDEs) that must be captured at Critical Tracking Events (CTEs). Originally set for January 2026 enforcement, now delayed to July 20, 2028. Major retailers are enforcing ahead of the FDA timeline.
The FDA's list of foods requiring additional traceability records under FSMA 204. Includes leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, melons, cucumbers, herbs, sprouts, tropical tree fruits, fresh-cut produce, shell eggs, certain cheeses, nut butters, and seafood. If you grow or pack anything on this list, FSMA 204 applies to you.
A specific piece of data that must be recorded at each Critical Tracking Event under FSMA 204. KDEs include: commodity and variety, quantity, harvest date, Traceability Lot Code, growing area location, packer name/address/phone, ship-to location, SSCC, and reference documents (BOL, PO). FieldToFile captures every KDE automatically as part of the pallet tag workflow.
An event in the food supply chain where traceability data must be recorded. For produce growers and packers, the key CTEs are: Growing (where and when produce was grown), Initial Packing (first time packed into a container other than a field container), and Shipping (every time the product changes hands). Fresh-cut operations also have a Transformation CTE when produce is cut.
A unique code assigned to a lot of food at initial packing that links back to the growing area, harvest date, and packer. Required by FSMA 204 for every lot of FTL food. FieldToFile assigns TLCs automatically — you set up your commodity data once, and every lot gets a traceable code linked to the correct field, date, and GS1 data.
An 18-digit GS1 identifier that uniquely identifies a logistics unit (pallet, case, etc.). Required by most major retailers for produce shipments. Encoded in a GS1-128 barcode on every pallet tag. FieldToFile auto-generates valid SSCC-18 codes with no manual entry — no sequence gaps, no transposed digits.
A GS1 identifier for a specific product configuration (commodity + variety + pack size). Used on case labels and pallet tags to identify what's being shipped. Your GTIN is derived from your GS1 Company Prefix. FieldToFile stores your GTINs and applies them to every label automatically.
A barcode format used in supply chain logistics that encodes GS1 Application Identifiers (like SSCC, GTIN, batch/lot number, dates). This is the barcode on your pallet tags that retailers scan at their receiving dock. Manual entry of GS1-128 data has an 8% error rate. FieldToFile generates these barcodes from system data — 0% error rate.
A unique number assigned to your company by GS1 US that forms the basis of your GTINs, SSCCs, and other GS1 identifiers. You need a GS1 Company Prefix to generate compliant barcodes. If you don't have one, get one from GS1 US before you start shipping to major retailers.
An industry-led effort to standardize case-level traceability for produce. PTI-compliant labels include the GTIN, lot/batch number, and a human-readable voice pick code. Most major retailers require PTI-compliant case labels. FieldToFile generates PTI-compliant labels for every pallet.
An electronic document sent to a retailer before a shipment arrives, containing details about what's being shipped — including KDEs, SSCCs, lot codes, and quantities. Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, and Whole Foods all require ASN data for produce shipments. FieldToFile captures all the data elements needed to generate ASNs.
An industry organization that benchmarks food safety certification standards. GFSI-recognized schemes include SQF, BRCGS, PrimusGFS, FSSC 22000, and IFS Food. Most major retailers require GFSI certification from produce suppliers. While FieldToFile doesn't handle GFSI audits, organized traceability records demonstrate the operational discipline auditors expect.
USDA-audited standards covering growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce. Includes water quality, soil safety, worker hygiene, and field sanitation. Many retailers require GAP certification for produce growers. Wegmans accepts Harmonized GAP Plus+ as an alternative to GFSI for produce.
When one grower's produce is packed at another grower's facility. Under FSMA 204, the packer still needs the grower's traceability data (growing area, harvest date, commodity, variety) to create complete records. FieldToFile's partner packing feature handles this automatically — the partner's GS1 data loads with one tap, labels carry their brand, and pallets count against their quota, not yours.
A written document required by FSMA 204 that describes: how you assign Traceability Lot Codes, procedures for maintaining records (format, location), how you identify foods you handle, a point of contact for questions, and (if you grow FTL produce) a farm map showing growing areas. This plan must be maintained and available for FDA inspection.
A test of your ability to trace a product through the supply chain — both forward (where did it go?) and backward (where did it come from?). Costco expects a complete mock recall pack in 2-4 hours. FieldToFile lets you export complete traceability records for any lot in 30 seconds.
Your first truckload is on us — up to 56 pallets, fully compliant. No credit card.