GS1 US Introduces Rapid Record to Help Produce Growers Capture Traceability Data

Multilingual Text Messaging Solution Enables Growers To Record and Share Traceability Information Directly From the Field To Support FSMA Rule 204 Requirements

EWING, N.J., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GS1 US is introducing GS1 US Rapid Record, an SMS-based text messaging tool that helps produce growers capture traceability information in the field without installing an app or relying on Wi-Fi. Through guided text prompts, users can record harvesting, cooling, initial packing and shipping events, then send completed digital records to an email address designated by their organization to automatically capture data in digital files.

Included with a GS1 US membership, Rapid Record is designed for growers with limited technology resources and for the trading partners who depend on consistent information from the first stages of the food supply chain. Using product and location information identified with GS1 Standards such as the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) and Global Location Number (GLN), the multilingual tool helps growers create records that can be retained internally and shared with trading partners.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (U.S. FDA's) Food Traceability Rule, also known as the Food Safety Modernization Act  Rule 204 (FSMA Rule 204), has enacted recordkeeping requirements for businesses that handle foods on the Food Traceability List. This includes specific Key Data Elements (KDEs) of Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) that can assist in faster recalls and tracebacks during an investigation of a foodborne illness. Those records must be provided to the U.S. FDA within 24 hours upon request and made available electronically. By helping growers capture and share information in the field digitally, Rapid Record supports the flow of traceability data.

"Traceability is only as strong as the data captured at each step of the supply chain, starting with the first mile in the field," said Michelle Covey, vice president of customer success, GS1 US. "Many growers need a way to capture and share traceability information without adding complexity to their operations. Rapid Record helps make standardized digital recordkeeping more accessible, enabling growers to participate more easily in traceability programs and support data sharing across the supply chain."

Before using the tool, growers identify products, locations, authorized users and a delivery email address. Users then follow mobile phone prompts, review event details and submit the record. Rapid Record sends completed records to the organization's designated email address so they can be retained and shared with trading partners or the U.S. FDA as needed.

For more information about GS1 US Rapid Record and to request a demonstration, visit www.gs1us.org/rapidrecord.  

About GS1 US
GS1 US® enables companies to power their supply chains to deliver safe, consistent, authentic, and trusted experiences. Best known as a source for UPC barcodes, GS1 is a not-for-profit, global data standards organization that creates a common language for companies to identify, capture, and share trusted data that links their physical and digital supply chains. Millions of businesses around the world power commerce with GS1 Standards. Learn more at www.gs1us.org.

SOURCE GS1 US