URM Stores Inc. is crediting automation with the ReposiTrak Traceability Network for advancing its efforts to comply with FDA’s FSMA 204 food traceability law.
The ReposiTrak solution enables the exchange and maintenance of FDA-required data between the co-op’s suppliers, distribution centers and retail locations in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon.
The FDA’s FSMA 204 food traceability regulation requires manufacturers, processors and those that pack or hold foods on the food traceability list to establish and maintain key data element records for specific critical tracking events in a product’s journey through the supply chain.
As that product changes hands or changes form, a compounding string of data must be transferred between trading partners to provide full, end-to-end traceability.
“The FDA’s food traceability regulation is something we are taking very seriously,” said Julio Sandoval, director of food safety and regulatory compliance for URM.
“We’re required by law to comply. But having this information and the ability to access it from anywhere, at any time, will also ultimately ensure better preparedness for inquiries and tracebacks for every member of our supply chain.”
The URM supply chain consists of hundreds of suppliers, two distribution centers and 249 member stores throughout the Pacific Northwest, as well as 23 Rosauers Supermarkets, six Cash & Carry locations and Peirone Produce, a URM subsidiary produce company.
Sandoval explained that the ReposiTrak Traceability Network could become part of the portfolio of services offered to URM member-owners.
“It’s always been our mission to provide superior services to our member-owners so that they can compete. This solution is easy-to-use, inexpensive, and sets us far ahead,” Sandoval said.
The ReposiTrak solution is built upon the largest connected network of more than 110,000 supplier facilities, making the onboarding process faster and easier for retailers.
In addition, the company’s team is prepared to have conversations with food supply chain operators to understand their unique challenges and determine the best approach. There is no cost for retailers and suppliers can connect to an unlimited number of customers and begin sharing data for a low, flat fee.
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