FSMA Rule 204 Food Safety Countdown: What Restaurant Managers Need to Know Now

Better food safety has never been more in reach, thanks to advancements in traceability standards and technology. With the January 20, 2026 compliance deadline for the U.S. FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204 approaching, restaurant operators stand to gain improved confidence in the safety and quality of the food they serve. While the rule targets all links in the supply chain such as manufacturers and distributors, its ripple effects can empower restaurants to respond more effectively to food safety concerns and strengthen customer confidence.

Understanding FSMA Rule 204 and Traceability StandardsFSMA Rule 204 introduces rigorous recordkeeping requirements for Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) and Key Data Elements (KDEs) to improve traceability for foods on the FDA’s Food Traceability List (FTL). This list includes items such as leafy greens, certain cheeses, and seafood—foods identified as high-risk for contamination causing foodborne illness outbreaks. The…