Grocery Outlet Enlists iFoodDS for FSMA 204 Traceability Compliance

Rhea-AI Summary

Grocery Outlet (NASDAQ: GO) has partnered with iFoodDS to implement traceability software for FSMA 204 compliance. The Food Traceability Final Rule requires businesses to maintain detailed recordkeeping for certain foods to enable faster identification and removal of potentially contaminated products from the market.

Through this collaboration, Grocery Outlet will utilize iFoodDS' traceability platform to efficiently capture, store, and share required data. The platform is designed to be scalable and flexible, allowing integration with existing systems to reduce costs and operational complexity. Steve Wilson, Chief Purchasing Officer at Grocery Outlet, emphasized the company's commitment to food safety and transparency, while iFoodDS' Chief Traceability Officer Andrew Kennedy highlighted their dedication to providing cost-effective compliance solutions.

Positive

• Implementation of FSMA 204 compliance system enhances food safety standards
• Platform integration with existing systems helps reduce operational costs
• Enhanced supply chain visibility and transparency

Negative

• None.

Insights

Supply Chain Expert

Grocery Outlet's FSMA 204 compliance solution prioritizes operational efficiency while meeting regulatory requirements, with minimal disruption to existing systems.

Grocery Outlet's implementation of iFoodDS' traceability software addresses the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204 compliance requirements that establish specific recordkeeping standards for food handling businesses. This regulatory mandate aims to accelerate the identification and removal of potentially contaminated products from the market—a critical capability in the grocery sector.

The strategic value of this implementation lies in how it's being executed. Rather than developing a proprietary system, Grocery Outlet has opted for a specialized solution that integrates with existing systems. This approach demonstrates prudent resource allocation, allowing the company to maintain its focus on its core extreme-value retail model while addressing regulatory requirements.

From an operational perspective, iFoodDS' platform offers flexibility in data capture, storage, and sharing methodologies. The solution's ability to leverage data from existing systems should minimize implementation disruption and reduce operational complexity—critical factors for maintaining efficiency in the thin-margin grocery business.

For a value retailer like Grocery Outlet, the emphasis on cost-effectiveness in regulatory compliance aligns with their overall business strategy. While all food retailers must comply with FSMA 204, the implementation approach can impact operational efficiency and cost structure. The company's choice of a solution that specifically reduces "costs and operational complexity" indicates a consistent focus on their extreme-value positioning.

EMERYVILLE, Calif. and SEATTLE, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- iFoodDS, a leading provider of food traceability software, today announced Grocery Outlet (NASDAQ: GO), a leading extreme-value grocery retailer, will implement its traceability software for FSMA 204 compliance.

The Food Traceability Final Rule, FSMA 204, establishes traceability recordkeeping requirements for businesses that manufacture, process, pack, or hold certain foods to facilitate faster identification and rapid removal of potentially contaminated food from the market. Through this partnership, Grocery Outlet will leverage iFoodDS' traceability platform to efficiently capture, store, and share required data, ensuring compliance while enhancing supply chain visibility.

"At Grocery Outlet, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and transparency," said Steve Wilson, Chief Purchasing Officer at Grocery Outlet. "Working with iFoodDS, we are equipping our business and our supplier network with a scalable, flexible solution that streamlines compliance with FSMA 204, ensuring the integrity of our food supply."

The iFoodDS traceability platform, purpose-built for FSMA 204 compliance, offers multiple options for capturing, storing and sharing required data. By enabling companies like Grocery Outlet and its supplier partners to leverage data from their existing systems, the iFoodDS solution reduces costs and operational complexity.

"We are excited to support Grocery Outlet in their FSMA 204 compliance journey," said Andrew Kennedy, Chief Traceability Officer at iFoodDS. "As the leading traceability platform, we are committed to providing flexible, cost-effective solutions that simplify regulatory compliance for Grocery Outlet and its suppliers. Together, we are paving the way for a more connected and transparent food supply chain."

About iFoodDS

iFoodDS offers connected traceability, quality, and food safety solutions, making it easier to deliver wholesome, fresh, high-quality products to consumers. iFoodDS solutions help enterprises gain visibility and insight into their supply chains, transform inspection processes, reduce food waste, and optimize inventory quality. Its consulting subsidiary, New Era Partners, helps enterprises navigate the complexities of FDA's Food Traceability Rule, FSMA 204, to smooth the path to compliance.

Learn more about the iFoodDS FSMA 204 compliance solution by visiting www.ifoodds.com.

About Grocery Outlet

Based in Emeryville, California, Grocery Outlet (NASDAQ: GO) is a high-growth, extreme- value retailer of quality, name-brand consumables, and fresh products sold primarily through a network of independently operated stores. Grocery Outlet and its subsidiaries have more than 520 stores in California, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Idaho, Nevada, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Georgia, Ohio, Alabama, Delaware, Kentucky and Virginia.

Media Contacts:

iFoodDS
Alyson Sharron
alyson@ifoodds.com
(206) 852-6722

Grocery Outlet
Layla Kasha
(510) 379-2176
lkasha@cfgo.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/grocery-outlet-enlists-ifoodds-for-fsma-204-traceability-compliance-302447921.html

SOURCE iFoodDS

FAQ

What is the purpose of Grocery Outlet's partnership with iFoodDS?

Grocery Outlet is partnering with iFoodDS to implement traceability software for FSMA 204 compliance, which will help track and quickly remove potentially contaminated food from the market.

How will the iFoodDS platform benefit Grocery Outlet's operations?

The platform will help Grocery Outlet efficiently capture, store, and share required data while reducing costs and operational complexity by integrating with existing systems.

What is FSMA 204 and how does it affect Grocery Outlet (GO)?

FSMA 204 is a Food Traceability Final Rule that requires businesses to maintain detailed recordkeeping for certain foods. It affects Grocery Outlet by requiring them to implement systems for faster identification and removal of potentially contaminated food.

Who are the key executives involved in the Grocery Outlet (GO) and iFoodDS partnership?

Steve Wilson, Chief Purchasing Officer at Grocery Outlet, and Andrew Kennedy, Chief Traceability Officer at iFoodDS, are the key executives mentioned in the partnership.