There is a new rule called Rule 204 that’s part of the Food Modernization Act, and it’s all about tracing our food better.
Frank Yiannas, an expert on food safety, shared some cool tips with Food Safety News. Even though the rule won’t be in full swing until 2026, and the FDA won’t make sure companies are following it until 2027, Frank says businesses should start getting ready now.
You see, when food companies send stuff out, they might use what’s called Advanced Shipping Notices — or ASNs for short — to say, “Hey, we sent the food!” But, Frank points out, ASNs might not always tell us what actually arrived. It’s like when you order a blue T-shirt online but get a red one instead. That’s why Frank thinks it’s super important to keep good records of what’s shipped and what’s received.
And here’s something cool — there’s high-tech help on the way! There’s a company called Wiliot that has these tiny sensors, like the size of a stamp, that stick to food packages and keep track without folks having to write everything down. This new tech can even track the temperature of food, making sure it stays fresh!
Even though it might cost a bit to get these systems in place, they can save time and money in the long run. Plus, they help make sure the food that arrives is safe and just what we ordered.
So, for all the companies out there — it’s time to start getting ready for Rule 204. It will help us all know more about our food and keep us safe from foodborne illnesses. Get excited for safer eating, everyone!