Advancing food supply chain visibility: SPS Commerce partners with iFoodDS to simplify FSMA 204 compliance

Modern food supply chains require enhanced traceability to protect consumers, build trust and drive operational efficiency. As the January 2026 FSMA 204 compliance deadline approaches, leading companies recognize that traceability delivers value far beyond compliance with regulatory requirements. It powers faster recalls, reduces waste and strengthens relationships across the supply chain.

Understanding what’s at stake

For grocers, retailers, distributors and foodservice companies, FSMA 204 means capturing and maintaining detailed data from every supplier. This includes Key Data Elements (KDEs) like lot codes, harvest dates and critical tracking events. While compliance is essential, standardized and accurate data also plays a key role in recall management and daily operations.

Consider a typical scenario: Your suppliers range from large producers with sophisticated systems to small suppliers relying on spreadsheets. When a safety issue arises, your team must quickly trace affected products across your network. Without standardized data, this process can take days instead of hours, putting operational efficiency, customer safety and your reputation at risk.

Poor traceability impacts every aspect of your business. Inconsistent and inaccurate data leads to inventory challenges like overstocking or stockouts, while inefficient recall processes can escalate into costly crises. Most importantly, inadequate traceability undermines consumer confidence and brand loyalty.

The importance of supplier buy-in

Success requires making traceability manageable for suppliers of all sizes. Leading companies are taking practical steps like:

• Implementing uniform processes for recording and reporting traceability data
• Using automation to minimize errors and enable real-time data exchange
• Setting clear expectations and guidelines for accurate traceability data
• Supporting suppliers with training and implementation resources

By automating data capture through standard business documents like purchase orders, ASNs and barcodes, companies can help suppliers maintain consistent data formats while protecting their brand.

SPS Commerce and iFoodDS: A collaborative solution

Recognizing the need for enhanced traceability and supply chain visibility, SPS Commerce has partnered with iFoodDS to expand our retail cloud service offerings. Through integration with iFoodDS Trace Exchange™, we provide a comprehensive solution that supports the largest grocers, retailers, distributors and foodservice companies, along with their supplier networks.

With a high-tech, high-touch approach, our combined solution simplifies data collection and standardizes traceability processes across your trading partner network. Our team works with suppliers of all sizes and technical capabilities to drive successful participation and efficient FSMA 204 compliance.

For more information about how SPS Commerce and iFoodDS can enhance your traceability and supply chain visibility, visit SPS Commerce or iFoodDS.

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Scott Williams

Senior Product Manager at SPS Commerce

Scott is a Senior Manager of Product Management at SPS Commerce, focused on understanding retailer, grocer and distributor processes and pain points to create valuable solutions. Scott leverages advanced technologies to help businesses easily manage and exchange supply chain data by eliminating manual data entry and complicated mapping work, so they can focus on getting their products into the hands of more consumers.

Latest posts by Scott Williams (see all)

• Advancing food supply chain visibility: SPS Commerce partners with iFoodDS to simplify FSMA 204 compliance - February 3, 2025
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• Is your supply chain FSMA 204 ready? - September 16, 2024