Simplifying Traceability Requirements for Mango Supply Chains

Food safety regulations often sound more complicated than they really are. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Traceability Rule, FSMA 204, is one example. While it introduces specific requirements for tracking mangoes and other fresh produce, most of the information it calls for is already being collected by growers, packers and distributors. The real task is to organize these records in a consistent and accessible way.

Understanding FSMA 204 for Mangoes

Mangoes move through a complex supply chain that can include orchards in multiple countries, repacking facilities, brokers and distributors. FSMA 204 requires each participant to document what the regulation defines as Critical Tracking Events (CTE’s) and Key Data Elements (KDE’s). For mangoes, this includes harvest information such as orchard location, variety, date and quantity. It also covers packing and repacking, where new traceability lot codes must be assigned whenever mangoes are sorted or reconfigured. Shipping and receiving records are also required, noting the source, destination and date of transfer.

The purpose of these requirements is not to add unnecessary burden but to ensure that, in the event of a food safety concern, the product can be quickly traced back through every point of its journey.

Common Challenges in the Mango Supply Chain

Because mangoes frequently pass through many hands, from initial packing to repacking and international transport, records can become fragmented. A box of mangoes harvested in Michoacán may move through a warehouse in McAllen, a broker in Dallas and another distributor in Minneapolis before reaching a retailer. Each of these steps involves documentation that must be accurate and readily available. Without a clear system, the risk of duplication, missing data or delays increases.

How FoodTraze Supports Compliance

FoodTraze is designed to simplify this process. Instead of relying on paper records or disconnected spreadsheets, FoodTraze provides a digital platform that captures and secures information at each stage of the supply chainFarmers can record complete crop cycle details from planting to harvest. Packers and repackers can generate traceability lot codes automatically. Shippers and brokers can log shipping and receiving events in real time. All records are stored securely using blockchain technology, ensuring that data cannot be altered and can be easily shared with authorized parties.

By aligning existing record keeping practices with FSMA 204 requirements, FoodTraze removes complexity and reduces the chance of errors. It enables both small growers and large distributors to maintain compliance with confidence.