iFoodDS and IBM Launch New Solution to Help Organizations Address FDA's Traceability Rule

SEATTLE and ARMONK, N.Y. — iFoodDS and IBM announced a tech-enabled traceability solution, iFoodDS Trace Exchange (with IBM Food Trust), to help companies across the food supply chain address FDA's Food Traceability Rule, FSMA 204(d).

The joint solution is powered by the IBM Sterling Supply Chain Intelligence Suite and iFoodDS Trace Exchange and will allow companies to join and share data on the IBM Food Trust network. The IBM Sterling Supply Chain Intelligence Suite runs on the IBM Cloud and features enterprise-class security, reliability and scalability, the company reports. It facilitates data sharing via the IBM Food Trust network, which is compatible with the GS1 standards used by much of the food industry to help ensure interoperability for traceability systems. iFoodDS Trace Exchange gives clients access to purpose-built FSMA 204 data capture applications and methods, FSMA 204 compliance expertise and network dashboards.

"Having been there at its inception, I believe IBM and iFoodDS working together can accelerate the creation of safer, more efficient and transparent food supply chains that result in shared value for all participants," said Frank Yiannas, food safety leader and iFoodDS strategic advisor. "The joint solution can address the needs of large enterprises and suppliers of all sizes, connecting supply chains to enable continued business success and transparency that protects brands and consumers." 

FDA's Food Traceability Rule establishes additional traceability recordkeeping requirements for businesses that manufacture, process, pack or hold certain foods and includes data-sharing requirements that lay the foundation for connecting the food supply chain to enable comprehensive traceability. Ultimately, the rule is expected to allow for faster identification and rapid removal of potentially contaminated food from the market, which can help reduce foodborne illnesses. The FSMA 204 compliance deadline is Jan. 20, 2026.

Beyond the goal of addressing FSMA 204 compliance, the joint solution is the foundation for a connected value chain, designed for stronger collaboration between trading partners and providing insights on product safety, quality and freshness, said iFoodDS and IBM.

"We're seeing incredible momentum in tech-enabled traceability adoption as the FDA's deadline for FSMA 204 approaches," said Christina Shim, global head of product management and strategy, IBM Sustainability Software. "By collaborating with iFoodDS, we can provide even more help to enterprise clients and their trading partners as they work to become FSMA compliant and can take a major step toward the industry's goal of creating a safer, transparent, and sustainable food supply chain."

Added Scott Mathews, CEO, iFoodDS, "We look forward to growing our collaboration with IBM to help enterprise clients and their suppliers meet the FSMA 204 mandate and move their businesses forward. By combining iFoodDS' FSMA 204 data capture capabilities and industry knowledge with IBM's secured, scalable and interoperable traceability platform, enterprises can get a fast path to compliance. We encourage businesses to invest in traceability not just for compliance, but also for the competitive advantage they can gain by leveraging data and insights."