FDA Traceability Rule Delayed Again, Slowing Outbreak Investigations
Although part of FSMA since 2011, the FDA’s enhanced food-traceability rule—designed to trace tainted foods from farm to table—has been delayed 15 years by industry lobbying, pushing enforcement from 2026 to 2028. Advocates say the delay hampers rapid traceback during the cyclospora outbreak that sickened tens of thousands and killed two, while industry groups cite cost and complexity and press for workable timelines.