IFT Accelerates Traceability Initiatives With Moore Foundation Grant

The Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) Global Food Traceability Center (GFTC) has received a $3 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to support the advancement of food traceability systems and standards across global supply chains.

According to IFT, the funding will be used to expand the adoption of interoperable traceability standards, develop new implementation tools and resources, and strengthen engagement with regulators, industry stakeholders, technology providers and international organizations.

The initiative is relevant to food manufacturers, including bakery producers, as regulatory requirements and customer expectations continue to increase around supply chain transparency, food safety and recall preparedness.

“Traceability is not just about compliance; it is about strengthening trust, collaboration, and resilience across the food system. With this support from the Moore Foundation, IFT’s Global Food Traceability Center aims to expand the tools, resources, and partnerships needed to make interoperable traceability more practical and scalable across commodities and supply chains,” said Blake Harris, Managing Director of IFT’s Global Food Traceability Center.

IFT said the GFTC has previously contributed to traceability initiatives in sectors including seafood, dairy, beef and leather, while also supporting industry efforts related to the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Food Traceability Rule. The organization plans to use the new funding to extend its work into additional commodities and supply chains while promoting greater international alignment on digital traceability practices.