Quick Answer: FSMA Section 204 is the FDA Food Traceability Rule requiring enhanced traceability records for foods on the FDA Food Traceability List, including GS1 SSCC barcoding on pallets, with enforcement beginning January 20, 2026.
Detailed Answer
FSMA Section 204 (21 CFR Part 1, Subpart S) was finalized in November 2022 with enforcement starting January 20, 2026. The rule requires Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) and Key Data Elements (KDEs) for foods on the FDA Food Traceability List (FTL): leafy greens, certain fruits and vegetables, sprouts, fresh-cut, soft cheeses, finfish, crustaceans, ready-to-eat foods. Pallets carrying these foods need GS1 SSCC barcoding for unit-load identity, plus records of harvest, manufacture, transformation, and shipping events. Records must be kept 24+ months.
Authoritative Sources
- FDA FSMA Section 204
- 21 CFR Part 1 Subpart S
- GS1 SSCC
- FDA Food Traceability List
Companion Resources
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Does United States Pallets supply pallet answer for export from national?
Yes, with ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets carrying IPPC stamps and full ISPM-15 documentation. Required for international shipments to all WTO member countries. Common for national customers with port access via United States's major export gateways.
Can national customers run a buyback program alongside their pallet purchases?
Yes. Backhaul logistics are coordinated on outbound delivery routes - empty or non-spec pallets get picked up on the return leg of new pallet deliveries. Per-pallet freight cost on the backhaul approaches zero for accounts running both new-pallet purchase + buyback simultaneously.
What documentation accompanies pallet answer loads?
BOL, packing list, grade certifications standard. Heat-treated loads add IPPC stamps and ISPM-15 documentation. Pharma-grade loads add batch records. Food-grade loads add FSMA Sanitary Transportation Rule certifications. All documentation ships electronically before delivery.
Does United States Pallets buy back used pallets in national?
Yes. We buy back used pallets from national collectors, recyclers, and warehouses - 250-pallet minimum per load, single-size only (no mixed-size loads). Fast ACH payment, typically same-day or net-7 depending on volume. Pickup arranged on standard outbound delivery routes.
Can United States Pallets handle pallet answer for high-volume national operations?
Yes. Standing-order programs for national operations running 500+ pallets/week lock in tiered pricing, reserve delivery slots, and run on autopilot in the background. Custom contract terms available for accounts running 2,000+/week.
