Barcode-Driven Data Bridge Aims to Simplify Regulatory Readiness

Markem-Imaje and iFoodDS announced a partnership designed to reduce the compliance burden of FSMA 204 by leveraging printed case labels as an automated data-capture mechanism for food suppliers.

The partnership addresses a critical gap: many suppliers on the FDA's Food Traceability List lack dedicated IT infrastructure to manage complex compliance workflows. By encoding traceability data directly into GS1-compliant barcodes, the companies aim to eliminate manual data entry and reduce the friction of regulatory readiness.

How It Works

Suppliers can use Markem-Imaje's labeling solutions to print barcodes that encode lot codes, location, product information, and other Key Data Elements (KDEs) required under FSMA 204. Standardized templates provided through iFoodDS Trace Exchange™ can be used within Markem-Imaje's CoLOS® software to ensure consistent, structured data capture.

A planned integration will allow data generated through CoLOS® to be automatically captured in iFoodDS Trace Exchange™—eliminating manual record entry entirely.

Removing Barriers to Adoption

The partnership immediately supports supplier readiness with FSMA-aligned label templates that eliminate ambiguity through pre-defined data fields, built-in GS1 logic, and standardized formatting.

Key benefits include:

- Instant access to FSMA 204-aligned labels for consistency and accuracy
- No manual data entry through planned system integration
- No ERP integration required to begin compliance work
- Single platform for sharing data with all customers

"Suppliers shouldn't need enterprise IT projects to comply with FSMA 204," said Andrew Kennedy, Chief Traceability Officer at iFoodDS. "By making FSMA-aligned labels readily accessible today and automatically capturing KDEs when the CoLOS® integration comes online, we're giving suppliers a practical, low‑lift path to share traceability data with every customer — without forcing complex integrations on day one."

Stephen Gryczka, Strategy and Corporate Development Director at Markem-Imaje, added: "CoLOS® has helped thousands of customers design and print GS-1 compliant labels and connect their enterprise data systems to the factory floor to ensure the right label goes on the right product at the right time. We're excited to be integrating CoLOS® with the iFoodDS Trace Exchange™ platform to help food suppliers leverage existing labeling infrastructure to comply with FSMA 204 traceability requirements."

Why It Matters

FSMA 204 compliance is increasingly a requirement for market access, yet the regulatory landscape remains complex for suppliers without IT resources. This integration transforms case labeling—a process most suppliers already perform—into a traceability data source, lowering adoption barriers and accelerating industry-wide readiness ahead of FDA enforcement deadlines.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors