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Food Traceability Rule: Part 2—Definitions and Acronyms

Razieh Farzad andStephanie R. Brown


Release Date: 6/16/2026

DOI: 10.32473/EDIS-FS477-2026

Family and Consumer Sciences

Abstract

This publication offers a comprehensive list of definitions and acronyms intended as an educational tool for Extension educators and a reference for industry members developing traceability plans. The goal of this document is to ensure that key terms related to traceability requirements are clearly understood, thereby supporting compliance efforts for high-risk foods as mandated by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This resource also supports the accurate documentation of critical tracking events (CTEs) and key data elements (KDEs) across the food supply chain, helping industry members effectively implement and maintain traceability plans.

About this Publication

This document is FSHN26-6, one of a series of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date June 2026. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/ for the currently supported version of this publication. © 2026 UF/IFAS. This publication is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

How to Cite

Farzad, R., & Brown, S. R. B. (2026). Food Traceability Rule: Part 2—Definitions and Acronyms. EDIS, 2026(3). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fs477-2026

Authors

Razieh Farzad
Razieh Farzad
Specialist
University of Florida

assistant professor, sustainable seafood production systems, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and seafood safety Extension specialist, Florida Sea Grant Program, Gainesville, FL

Stephanie R. Brown
Stephanie R. Brown
Specialized Agent
University of Florida

state specialized Extension agent, food science, UF/IFAS Southwest Research and Education Center, Immokalee, FL

Publication #FSHN26-6

Peer Reviewed
Commercial