Staying Compliant with FSMA Traceability Requirements
Under the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Final Rule (effective January 26, 2026), all companies that manufacture, process, pack or hold foods on the FDA’s Food Traceability List (FTL) must maintain detailed records of every lot they handle. The FTL covers products such as cheese, eggs, peanut butter, vegetables, leafy greens, fruits, fish, shellfish, and ready-to-eat deli salads. Each package of perishable food must display a unique traceability lot code. Implementing a 2D data-matrix barcode on every label is the industry standard for rapid recall response and contamination tracking—yet achieving this at high line speeds demands an end-to-end automated solution.
Core Components of an Automated Traceability Line
1. Friction Feeder Integration
Precisely separates and feeds packaging substrates at speeds up to 200 meters/minute.
Syncs with upstream filling or cartoning machines to prevent jams and misfeeds.
2. 2D Barcode Labeling & Coding
Applies lot-specific 2D matrix barcodes immediately after primary packaging.
Ensures print quality verification through inline vision inspection.
3. Data Capture & Management
Aggregates serial data (batch number, production timestamp, supplier code) into a centralized database.
Provides audit-ready trace files accessible via secure dashboards.
4. Inspection & Reject Handling
Uses machine-vision or infrared sensors for double-detect and overlap detection.
Automatically rejects non-compliant packages before they leave the line.
Integrating Third-Party Hygienic Washdown Labelers
While iFeeder specializes in precision feeding systems, we partner with leading hygienic washdown labeler manufacturers to meet strict food-packaging sanitation standards:
- Material & IP Ratings: We select labelers constructed from 304-grade stainless steel with passivated finishes and rated to IP69K (exceeds IP66/NEMA 4X) for full washdown resistance.
- Clean-in-Place (CIP) Compatibility: Minimal-assembly designs allow rapid, tool-free disassembly for sink-to-sterilize cleaning cycles—significantly reducing contamination risk.
- Mobility & Footprint: Compact, caster-mounted units can be repositioned quickly across the plant floor, enabling flexible line layouts and streamlined sanitation protocols.
- Performance: Adjustable peel plates and dedicated servo unwind/rewind modules guarantee accurate label placement on packages ranging from narrow sachets to 12-inch wide cartons.
iFeeder’s engineering team handles the mechanical and control-system integration—ensuring that each third-party labeler seamlessly communicates with upstream feeders, coders, and your MES or ERP system.
Modular Track & Trace Platform
Our Track & Trace solution delivers end-to-end serialization, inspection, and data logging:
- Serialization Printing: High-resolution thermal inkjet or laser coders imprint unique identifiers on every pack.
- Quality Inspection: Inline vision systems verify code readability and label integrity, triggering real-time alerts and automatic rejects if deviations occur.
- Data Logging: Each scanned code is timestamped and stored in a secure trace file, readily available for FSMA audits or recall analysis.
- Flexible Configuration: Modular racks accommodate additional sensors (e.g., metal detectors, checkweighers) and can be retrofitted into existing lines with minimal downtime.
Why Choose iFeeder for Food Packaging Automation
- 15+ Years of Expertise in friction feeders and material-handling solutions.
- End-to-End Integration—from mechanical design and electrical controls to software implementation and validation.
- In-House Engineering Resources, including mechanical, electrical, and software teams, plus a fully equipped CNC machine shop for custom fixtures and prototypes.
- Customized Support—we partner with you from initial concept through installation, training, and ongoing service to ensure your line meets evolving regulatory and production demands.
See Your Product in Action
Send us a representative sample of your packaging, and our engineers will create a personalized demo video showing exactly how iFeeder’s friction feeders and integrated third-party labelers handle your products
Contact iFeeder today to streamline your food traceability and ensure your packaging line is ready by January 2026.
