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What Is the FDA Food Traceability List?

By United States Pallets Editorial Team · Reviewed by industry operators · Last updated: June 22, 2026

By Mark Gabrielli, Pallet Industry Specialist — Updated 2026

The FDA Food Traceability List (FTL) is the FDA-published list of foods requiring enhanced traceability records under FSMA Section 204, with enforcement Jan 20, 2026.

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Quick Answer: The FDA Food Traceability List (FTL) is the FDA-published list of foods requiring enhanced traceability records under FSMA Section 204, with enforcement Jan 20, 2026.

New wood pallets stacked at national pallet supplier

Detailed Answer

FTL foods: leafy greens, herbs, melons, peppers, sprouts, cucumbers, tomatoes, tropical tree fruits, fresh-cut/freshly-prepared, soft cheeses, finfish, crustaceans, ready-to-eat foods. Pallets need GS1 SSCC barcoding.

Sources

FDA FSMA Section 204
21 CFR 1 Subpart S

Companion Resources

How does United States Pallets compare to United States-based local pallet suppliers?

Local United States suppliers offer geographic proximity. United States Pallets offers nationwide sourcing depth, multi-grade inventory always in stock, sub-2-business-hour quote response, audit-ready documentation, and standing-order automation that local yards typically don't match.

What's the minimum order quantity for pallet answer?

50 pallets per order minimum on buy-side. Sell-side (buyback) minimum is 250 pallets per single-size load. Volume tiers kick in automatically as cumulative monthly volume increases - 500+/week accounts qualify for standing-order programs with reserved delivery slots.

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.

How fast does United States Pallets deliver to national, United States?

Same-day shipping in our Southeast/Mid-Atlantic core (FL, GA, AL, TN, MS, SC, NC, KY, VA) and scheduled weekly delivery elsewhere. Express options available for national rush orders. Quote response under 2 business hours, dispatch within hours of order confirmation.

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.

Operational details for Florida

Compliance specification

FSMA Section 204 traceability supported on every food-grade load; pallet ID linked to the lumber lot, kiln batch, and dispatch ticket in our chain-of-custody database.

Florida regulatory context

Florida Sales Tax Exemption Form DR-46NT applies to pallets purchased for resale or for use in manufacturing of tangible personal property; we provide the form with every commercial invoice.

Florida Department of Transportation hauler permits restrict pallet loads above 80,000 lb GVW to specific corridors; our DOT-permitted carriers handle the routing.

Pallet specification detail

Block pallets (four-way entry) use nine 4-inch hardwood blocks with continuous-face top deck; ideal for ASRS (automated storage and retrieval) and AGV (automated guided vehicle) operations where stringer interruptions cause read-failures.

ISPM-15 export pallets receive heat treatment to 56C core temperature for 30 minutes; stamping shows IPPC logo, country code 'US', registered facility number, and treatment code 'HT'.

Delivery and logistics

Flatbed delivery handles oversized loads or pallets with overhanging product; tarping included; preferred for export crates and bulk lumber shipments.

Customer use case

Citrus packhouses operate seasonal volume peaks November-April; we maintain dedicated Polk County and Indian River inventory to support 6-12 truckload weekly delivery during peak; standing-order pricing locks rates Oct 1.

Pricing context

Buyback pricing for returned pallets: $3-5 per Grade A unit; $1-2 per Grade B; minimum 50-pallet pickup; integrated with our recycling stream for sustainability accounting.

Sustainability

Carbon footprint per delivered pallet (cradle-to-gate, including 75-mile delivery): new GMA ~21 kg CO2e; recycled Grade A ~7 kg CO2e; custom builds vary by spec.