NEW WALMART STANDARDS (GS-128) LABEL
WHAT CHANGED?
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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.
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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.”
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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?
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Effective immediately, we must look at ways to include this:
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Apply a GS1-128 barcode at the case level
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Ensure the barcode encodes the following data elements:
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Registered GTIN (matching the orderable GTIN in Item 360)
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Lot/Batch Code
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Date Code (e.g., pack, best before, or expiration)
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Appropriate Application Identifiers (AIs)
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Confirm that two-side placement requirements and print-quality standards meet GS1 and Walmart specifications
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Align all barcode data with ASN/SSCC-18 submissions to maintain traceability consistency.
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