Produce Traceability and Compliance in the Fresh Produce Industry
How Reserva Supports FSMA and FSVP
In today’s fresh produce industry, end-to-end produce traceability is no longer optional; it is a regulatory, commercial, and operational requirement. With increasing enforcement of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), produce companies must move beyond spreadsheets and disconnected systems.
Reserva is a modern produce ERP software and traceability platform built specifically for growers, shippers, importers, wholesalers, and repackers. Reserva helps produce businesses achieve FSMA 204 compliance, strengthen food safety, and maintain full lot-level traceability across the supply chain.
What Is FSMA and Why Produce Traceability Matters
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) represents a fundamental shift in U.S. food safety regulation, from reacting to food safety issues to preventing them. One of the most impactful rules for produce companies is FSMA Section 204, also known as the Final Rule on Requirements for Additional Traceability Records.
Under FSMA 204, companies handling foods on the Food Traceability List (FTL), including many fresh fruits and vegetables, must capture, maintain, and share standardized data for Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) such as:
Harvesting | Cooling | Receiving | Packing & Repacking | Shipping Distribution
Accurate, digital traceability records are essential for:
- Faster food recalls
- FDA audits and inspections
- Risk reduction and brand protection
- Maintaining market access with buyers and retailers
Understanding FSVP Requirements for Produce Importers
The Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) is a core component of FSMA that applies to produce importers. FSVP requires importers to verify that foreign suppliers meet U.S. food safety standards.
Key FSVP compliance requirements include:
Hazard analyses
Supplier verification activities
Corrective action documentation
Without a centralized produce traceability system, managing FSVP documentation becomes time-consuming, error-prone, and risky.
Common Produce Traceability Challenges
Fresh produce supply chains are uniquely complex. Companies often struggle with:
- Multiple growers, suppliers, and SKUs
- Repacking, grading, and transformation events
- Paper-based or siloed traceability systems
- Manual lot tracking and labeling
- Tight timelines during recalls or audits
Legacy ERP systems and spreadsheets were not designed for modern produce traceability compliance.
Reserva supports that outcome with four practical building blocks that reinforce each other: Traceview, partner data in context, automation, and structured onboarding.
How Reserva Delivers
End-to-End Produce Traceability
Reserva is a purpose-built produce ERP and traceability software designed to support FSMA, FSVP, and PACA requirements while improving operational efficiency.
Reserva provides end-to-end lot traceability from inbound receipt to final delivery, capturing every critical tracking event in real time:
- Lot creation and tracking
- Barcode scanning and labeling
- GTIN and PTI-compliant case and pallet labels
- QA inspections and condition reporting
- Repacking, production, and transformation records
- Sales, shipping, and returns tracking
All traceability data is centralized in one ERP platform, ensuring accuracy and audit readiness.
That show key handling points, including packing, repack, consolidation, and shipment milestones
Through the Reserva Partner Portal, growers can:
- Upload harvest and food safety data
- Print compliant traceability labels
- Track inventory and shipments in real time
- Monitor sales activity and grower settlements
This seamless collaboration improves data accuracy and strengthens FSMA and FSVP compliance across the supply chain.
Reserva includes built-in document management that links compliance records directly to lots, shipments, and suppliers. This enables:
- Rapid FDA audit response
- Centralized FSMA 204 traceability records
- Integrated FSVP supplier documentation
- Secure digital storage of food safety records
That show key handling points, including packing, repack, consolidation, and shipment milestones
In the event of a food safety issue, Reserva enables companies to respond immediately:
- Identify affected lots in seconds
- Trace impacted customers and shipments
- Generate recall and audit reports instantly
- Cascade holds and exceptions across inventory, sales, and accounting
Fast, accurate recall management protects consumers, brands, and business continuity.
For importers, Reserva simplifies FSVP compliance with:
- Supplier-level traceability tied to shipments
- QA, customs, and certification workflows
- Auditable records for FDA inspections
- End-to-end visibility into imported produce
Reserva’s PACA Trust module links financial transactions directly to inventory lots and payments, enhancing transparency for growers, lenders, and trading partners.
Beyond Compliance:
A Smarter Produce Supply Chain
Traceability is just the foundation. Reserva integrates inventory management, operations, accounting, and embedded finance into one platform, enabling produce companies to:
- Automate vendor payments and AR collections
- Analyze margins by lot, grower, and customer
- Streamline grower liquidations
- Improve cash flow and financial visibility
Turn FSMA Compliance Into a Competitive Advantage with Reserva
Schedule a personalized demo of Reserva today to see how our produce traceability software can help you achieve FSMA and FSVP compliance while scaling your business.