NEW WALMART STANDARDS (GS-128) LABEL
WHAT CHANGED?
-
In the prior standards (March, 2025), the GS1-128 barcode requirement applied only to suppliers of products listed on the FDA Food Traceability List (FTL) under FSMA 204.
-
Now in the new one this requirement is expanded. It now states that:
“Walmart requires all food and beverage items to include the GS1-128 barcode format to provide the required data fields needed for food traceability purposes.”
-
The update further clarifies that all food suppliers must comply, including produce, baby food, pet food, beverages, meat, and poultry in the Appendix.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR SUPPLIERS?
-
Effective immediately, we must look at ways to include this:
-
Apply a GS1-128 barcode at the case level
-
Ensure the barcode encodes the following data elements:
-
Registered GTIN (matching the orderable GTIN in Supplier One)
-
Lot/Batch Code
-
Date Code (e.g., pack, best before, or expiration)
-
Appropriate Application Identifiers (AIs)
-
Confirm that two-side placement requirements and print-quality standards meet GS1 and Walmart specifications
-
Align all barcode data with ASN/SSCC-18 submissions to maintain traceability consistency.
-
HOW CAN OCM HELP?
OCM regularly studies Walmart guidelines and regulations so you don't have to. We collaborate with you to ensure that your packaging and labeling can meet Walmart's extensive requirements. ​