Tech & E-Commerce
Save A Lot Prepares for Food Traceability Rule with Innovative New Tool
This initiative, revealed on Tuesday, involves the ReposiTrak Traceability Network, which will allow Save A Lot suppliers to transmit the FDA-required traceability data for every affected lot code with each shipment sent to a distribution center.
Save A Lot has announced the implementation of an automated traceability tool to ensure compliance with the upcoming U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Food Traceability Rule. This initiative, revealed on Tuesday, involves the ReposiTrak Traceability Network, which will allow Save A Lot suppliers to transmit the FDA-required traceability data for every affected lot code with each shipment sent to a distribution center.
The Food Traceability Rule, which comes into effect on January 20, 2026, mandates that manufacturers, processors, packers, and holders of foods listed in the Food Traceability List maintain records containing key data elements linked to specific critical tracking events. Additionally, they must provide this information to the FDA within 24 hours.
Courtesy of Food Traceability
Trey Johnson, Save A Lot’s Chief Merchandising & Marketing Officer, stated, “We recognize the importance of the Food Traceability Rule to the industry, and we were looking for a solution that works across our total supply chain.”
The St. Ann, Missouri-based retailer plans to make the traceability network accessible to its more than 170 independent owners and operators, ensuring end-to-end visibility throughout the supply chain.
A report by the nonprofit Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA indicated that many retailers, suppliers, and distributors are not fully aware of the Food Traceability Rule. The report highlighted concerns about varying interpretations of the final rule, which could lead companies to mistakenly assume that their existing operations meet compliance requirements.
To aid in understanding the new regulations, the National Grocers Association (NGA) and United Natural Foods, Inc. released a primer that includes summaries, diagrams, tables, and photos to clarify the 600-page rule. Additionally, the NGA has launched an online Traceability Center where members can access various templates, glossaries, and a mock traceability event exercise.
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