FSMA 204 Is Coming: What Produce Shippers Need From Their Logistics Partner
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finalized FSMA Rule 204, also called the Food Traceability Rule, marking a major shift in how fresh produce is tracked and transported.
For growers, shippers, and logistics providers, it introduces stricter documentation and digital visibility at every step of the cold chain. For consumers, it is a guarantee that what reaches the shelf can be traced safely back to its source.
At Victra Logistics, we have already built the infrastructure to meet these new standards by combining experience, smart technology, and a dedication to transparency that helps our clients stay ahead.
What Is FSMA 204?
FSMA 204 expands the Food Safety Modernization Act by requiring companies handling items on the FDA’s Food Traceability List (FTL) to keep detailed records of every handoff.
These records, called Key Data Elements (KDEs) and Critical Tracking Events (CTEs), must document how food moves from farm to receiver.
Common produce covered includes:
Companies must retain this information for at least two years and be able to provide it quickly in case of an FDA inquiry or recall.
Why Traceability Matters for Produce Shippers
For produce logistics, FSMA 204 goes beyond compliance. It is about trust, freshness, and brand protection.
Accurate traceability means:
Without a compliant logistics partner, it is nearly impossible to maintain this level of documentation at scale.
How Smart Logistics Partners Simplify FSMA Compliance
A logistics provider should be your first line of defense when it comes to FSMA compliance. At Victra Logistics, we integrate traceability directly into every shipment with a mix of advanced technology and operational discipline.
1. Real-Time GPS and ELD Tracking
All shipments are monitored 24/7, giving customers real-time visibility into route progress, location, and status. Automated logs ensure accurate tracking data for audits.
2. Temperature Monitoring and Photo Documentation
For every produce load, Victra requires three daily temperature check-ins and provides pulping and photo documentation at pickup. This ensures product quality and verifies compliance.
3. Digital Documentation and Secure Storage
Our Global Logistics Intelligence & Accounting division handles digital recordkeeping, scanning, and audit support so your traceability data is complete, organized, and accessible when needed.
4. Predictive Alerts and Exception Management
Using smart monitoring systems, we detect and address temperature or timing issues before they become violations, keeping shipments compliant and customers satisfied.
Why Victra Logistics Is FSMA Ready
With over 16 years of experience in produce transportation, Victra Logistics is more than a freight broker. We are a compliance partner.
We offer:
Our processes already meet or exceed FSMA 204’s expectations so our customers can focus on growth, not paperwork.
Steps You Can Take Now
If your business handles produce or temperature-sensitive food, here is how to start preparing:
Need help? Victra Logistics offers a complete cold chain strategy, from documentation and traceability setup to nationwide delivery.
Conclusion: Compliance Through Partnership
FSMA 204 signals the future of food logistics, a future built on transparency, accuracy, and accountability.
With the right logistics partner, compliance becomes a seamless part of doing business, not a challenge.
At Victra Logistics, we combine decades of cold-chain expertise with the digital tools required for tomorrow’s regulations, ensuring your produce arrives fresh, safe, and fully traceable.
