Here we summarize with FDA quotes what the Traceability Lot Code is about:
“The goal of the Food Traceability rule is to ensure Key Data Elements (KDEs) can be maintained across the supply chain for more efficient and effective tracing while providing firms flexibility within their existing tracing systems.
The traceability lot code (TLC) is an integral component of the rule’s requirements. It links to the other KDEs required, including the TLC Source, which provides the physical location where the traceability lot code for an FTL food was assigned.
A traceability lot code means a descriptor, often alphanumeric, used to uniquely identify a traceability lot within the records of the traceability lot code source (defined below). This is similar to what industry currently refers to as a ‘lot’ or ‘lot code’.
A traceability lot code source refers to the physical location where a food was assigned a traceability lot code. In certain situations, the Food Traceability Rule requires documentation of either the location description for the traceability lot code source, or the traceability lot code source reference. A traceability lot code source reference means an alternative method for providing FDA with access to the location description for the traceability lot code source.
Requiring documentation of traceability lot codes and traceability lot code sources enables FDA to identify the source of the food faster – by enabling FDA to skip steps in the supply chain, link a food to the firms that have handled it, and ultimately lead FDA back to the source of the food during an outbreak investigation.” (FSMA Final Rule)
Clients will have to create the TLCSs and TLCSR only once and, onwards, Darwin Evolution’s system will generate automatically all the TLCs later required. Not every link of the value chain has to create a TLC, only in some of the activities. Rest asured that we will take care of it so you can focus on your business.