🍽️ Francine and Matt are building a global, fun, and inclusive Food Safety Family! From the C-suite to the kitchen, they’re making safe food the norm everywhere.

👉 Follow Francine and Matt on LinkedIn for more food safety insights and updates.

In this episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine are talking about some even more frustrating news on the FDA's traceability rule, FSMA 204.

Back in April of 2025, the implementation of the rule was pushed off yet again, giving the food industry 2.5 years to become fully compliant.

Everything changed after the longest government shutdown in US history, though, because the new funding bill blocks FMSA 204. That's, unfortunately, expected, since some of the senators who ended the stalemate received funds from food industry lobbyists.

Tune in for a breakdown of the current situation with US food traceability.

In this episode:

0:00:00 Food traceability policies are being gutted

0:11:17 Who's behind the death of FSMA 204 and why

0:17:54 Why food traceability is extremely complicated

0:23:38 Politicians, integrity, and helping people

0:30:27 What will happen with FSMA 204

Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice.

Resources from this episode

Read the Marler Blog article Matt and Francine refer to in this episode.

Listen to Episode 148, where we talk about the huge increase in hospitalizations and deaths from foodborne illness.

Catch up with Episode 109 from April 2025, where we questioned whether or not FSMA 204 would ever actually be implemented.

Noteworthy quotes from this episode

“ I think [FSMA 204 is] dead. I think there's going to be some companies that are going to do it, but without the government's push to do this, it will not happen across the board, which means it won't happen.” – Matt Regusci

“ So, let me tell you what I love about this. The National Restaurant Association, they make all their money promoting and advocating for food safety. That's how they earned all that money that they donated to lobby against it.” – Francine L Shaw

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive impact in the world of food safety!

Share your thoughts and feedback on the show, and feel free to offer any topics you would like to hear discussed.

We'd love to hear from you!

📲 Connect with Francine, Matt, and the "Don't Eat Poop!" show on LinkedIn!

📕 Check out Francine's book Who Watches the Kitchen?

🎙️ BE A GUEST ON DON’T EAT POOP!

Fill out this form to tell us more about yourself. We’ll reach out via email within 30 days with next steps if you’re selected.

_______

Produced by Ideablossoms