Markem-Imaje, the global provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions and industrial marking and coding systems, will highlight innovative 2D coding solutions to comply with the FDA’s upcoming traceability requirements at PACK EXPO International, from 3-6 November.

The multinational is at the forefront of providing compliant hardware and software solutions to facilitate implementation of the FDA’s strict traceability requirements for a host of fresh and frozen foods, entering into force in January 2026. Under the Food Safety Modernization Act’s (FSMA) Final Rule on Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods  (FSMA 204), for the first time, all US-based retailers and suppliers off products ranging from fresh fruit and vegetables to frozen seafood will be required to provide full traceability information or incur a large fine.

“Fresh and frozen food retailers and their suppliers across the US will need to implement compliant printing hardware and software to meet the FSMA’s stringent demands to enable traceability of their products within 24 hours,” says Juliana Millano, Marketing Director for the Americas at Markem-Imaje. “With years of innovation in serialized 2D barcode technology, our solutions enable full product traceability and compliance with the 2026 FDA rule.”

The Markem-Imaje coding hardware on show includes solutions across the following technologies: Continuous Inkjet (CIJ); CO2 and fiber laser laser; Piezo inkjet; Thermal transfer Overprinting (TTO); Print and Apply (P&A) labeling; and the latest in 2D printing, the Markem-Imaje proprietary Super Piezo Inkjet (SPI). This new technology combines the assets of continuous inkjet (CIJ) and Drop on Demand, with the capability to produce serialized 2D barcodes in outstanding quality, at high-speed on complex 3D surfaces. Markem-Imaje will also be unveiling an exciting new CIJ innovation at PACK EXPO International for the first time in the US.

The Markem-Imaje coding offer can produce scannable, GS-1 compliant 2D codes, like QRs, as small as 5mm, or 0.2 inches high, and can mark the newest, more environmentally friendly thinner mono films. The coding solutions all integrate with the Markem-Imaje CoLOS® software which, in turn, is compatible with almost all ERP and MES systems, including SAP, to record and encode the detailed traceability data required for the FSMA, whilst working hand-in-hand with all printing solutions on packaging lines for the products covered by the rule.

In addition, a Markem-Imaje expert will be speaking at PACK EXPO's Innovation Stage on the subject of  “Packing & Tracking your products to comply with FSMA 204 “, discussing state-of-the-art packaging equipment and printing devices, as well as 2D codes to manage and exchange data.  Attendees will learn from an end-user's perspective the tools, methods, and best practices to create and implement a plan to meet the FSMA 204 requirements.

PACK EXPO International will be held at Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center between 3-6 November 2024 and is the US packaging sector's largest annual event.  You can find the Markem-Imaje stand at Stand S1630, South Building, and learn about its 2D, FSMA-compliant innovations.