Traceability starts before the quote
US-bound food or supplement ingredient buyers should ask whether the target batch can be linked to lot code, production date, shelf life, storage condition, supplier route and available testing files before sample or bulk price is compared.
FDA timing does not remove buyer preparation
FDA has described a 30-month extension path for the FSMA food traceability compliance date to July 20, 2028. Buyers should still prepare traceability lot code, key batch records and supplier-route questions early because quality systems and customer audits may ask for them before legal deadlines.
RFQ response should separate status clearly
A professional RFQ response should mark records as available, pending supplier confirmation, not applicable or private until PI/order stage instead of implying every document is already attached to every generic SKU.