Target Supplier Guide Last verified: April 2026

Target is requiring traceability for all foods — not just FTL items.

Target joined the group of major retailers extending traceability beyond the FDA's Food Traceability List.

Target has aligned with Walmart, Kroger, and Albertsons in requiring traceability for all food products — not just those on the FDA's Food Traceability List. With 1,900+ stores and $22.5 billion in grocery revenue, Target is a significant buyer for produce operations. Their traceability requirements align with FSMA 204 Key Data Elements, and they're enforcing ahead of the FDA timeline.

Target Compliance Deadline
Active now — Target is among the retailers requiring traceability data for all food products entering their facilities.
Scope
All food products entering Target facilities. Requirements align with FSMA 204 KDEs and extend beyond the Food Traceability List.

What Target requires — and how FieldToFile delivers

KDE-aligned traceability records

Target requires suppliers to share lot/batch codes, date codes, and source information for food products, aligned with FSMA 204 Key Data Elements.

FieldToFile: FieldToFile captures every KDE at every Critical Tracking Event. Lot codes, harvest dates, growing areas, pack dates, and SSCCs — all recorded automatically.

Lot and batch code traceability

Every product must have traceable lot/batch codes that can identify the source and production details.

FieldToFile: FieldToFile assigns Traceability Lot Codes automatically, linking each lot to commodity, variety, growing area, harvest date, and GS1 data.

ASN data for shipments

Suppliers are expected to provide advance shipping data with the KDEs necessary for traceability.

FieldToFile: FieldToFile's shipping records capture every data element Target needs — SSCC, lot code, quantities, ship-to, and dates — structured for ASN transmission.

What happens if you can't provide this

Non-compliant suppliers risk losing access to 1,900+ Target locations.

Target's grocery business is growing — they're actively expanding fresh produce. Compliance is a prerequisite for new business.

As Target's program matures, enforcement and specificity of requirements will increase.

The bottom line

Target has joined the largest US retailers in requiring traceability beyond the FTL. FieldToFile ensures your produce ships with the data Target needs — complete, accurate, and ready before the truck arrives.

Evaluating traceability solutions? See how FieldToFile compares to spreadsheets, ERP systems, and other produce traceability tools.

Traceability requirements by commodity

Different produce types have different traceability requirements under FSMA 204. See what's required for what you grow:

Target supplier guidelines and sources

Ship to Target with confidence

Your first truckload is on us — up to 56 pallets, fully compliant. No credit card.