Save A Lot Deploys Automated Food Traceability Network

Save A Lot has rolled out the ReposiTrak Traceability Network (RTN) to provide automated traceability and compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act Section 204 (FSMA 204). The law, designed to prevent foodborne illnesses by strengthening the ability to track and trace food through all stages of the supply chain, will become mandatory in 2026, but Save A Lot, a discount wholesaler serving approximately 750 independently owned groceries, has committed to being ahead of the curve.

“Traceability is not only an FDA requirement, it’s also part of our ongoing commitment to food safety, regulatory compliance and transparency in our supply chain,” said Trey Johnson, Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at Save A Lot in a statement. “We recognized the importance of FSMA 204 to the industry and we were looking for an easy-to-use and affordable solution that works across our total supply chain, from our suppliers all the way through to the independent owners who operate Save A Lot stores.”

FSMA 204 works via the exchange of Key Data Elements (KDEs) among trading partners. The RTN enables these KDEs to be collected, organized, stored and retrieved in order to meet the law’s requirements.

“FSMA 204 presents more than a data management problem for wholesalers. It also presents a supplier management problem,” said Randy Fields, Chairman and CEO of ReposiTrak in a statement. “It’s important for suppliers and wholesalers to understand that not all of the FDA-required KDEs can be contained on a label. Instead, those KDEs need to be transmitted electronically with every shipment. In order to transmit that data, a connection needs to be established between the wholesaler and each supplier. ReposiTrak does this work for wholesalers and gets the data flowing.”

The RTN requires no additional hardware or software, and its supplier onboarding process is automated. Suppliers can connect to an unlimited number of trading partners and begin sharing data for a flat fee. Additionally, Save A Lot will make the platform available to its more than 170 independent owners and operators to improve end-to-end supply chain visibility.

ReposiTrak introduced its traceability network in March 2023. In August 2023 Save A Lot completed its transition to operating as a wholesaler by selling its last 18 corporate-owned supermarkets, and in February 2024 Save A Lot debuted a retail media network serving its independently operated stores.