When I meet with LATAM food and beverage brands preparing to launch in the U.S., one of the first things we discuss is compliance and traceability. The regulatory landscape here in the U.S. is much more complex, and two requirements consistently come up: the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and SQF certification. Together, they form the backbone of food safety in the U.S., and they are central to whether a brand will succeed or stumble in this competitive market.
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), signed into law in 2011, marked a major shift in U.S. food safety, from responding to contamination events to preventing them. At the heart of FSMA is traceability: the ability to follow a product through every step of the supply chain, from origin to retail shelf.
Traceability ensures that if an issue arises, regulators and companies can pinpoint the problem quickly and contain it before it escalates. Without it, recalls become broader, costs skyrocket, and consumer trust erodes. For international brands investing heavily to break into the U.S., there’s simply no room for error.
While FSMA sets the regulatory framework, SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification is about execution. SQF provides the structural and procedural foundation for safely handling food products, from warehouse design to sanitation protocols to how traceability records are kept.
Many major U.S. retailers require SQF certification as a prerequisite to doing business. Without it, brands may find themselves shut out of critical distribution opportunities. Just as importantly, SQF certification gives buyers and consumers confidence that a product is being managed within a robust, globally recognized food safety system.
It’s true: many 3PLs in the U.S. are SQF-certified. But not all 3PLs approach food safety with the same DNA and culture that we do at Source Logistics. That’s what sets us apart.
For LATAM brands, this approach translates into peace of mind: you know your products are being handled with the rigor U.S. regulators demand and the care consumers expect.
> Read more about The Hidden Costs of Pushing FSMA Section 204 Compliance to 2028
Traceability and SQF are two sides of the same coin. FSMA makes traceability mandatory, and SQF provides the framework to make it happen seamlessly. Together, they reduce the risks of costly recalls, strengthen retailer relationships, and build consumer trust.
At Source Logistics, we combine regulatory expertise, SQF-certified facilities, and a culture of care to deliver not just compliance, but competitive advantage. We help LATAM food and beverage brands enter the U.S. market with confidence, knowing their supply chain is built on safety, transparency, and trust.
For food and beverage companies, especially those exporting from LATAM, the U.S. market offers immense opportunity. But success here depends on more than great products, it requires a foundation of safety, reliability, and compliance.
Traceability protects your business. SQF opens doors to key retailers. Together, they build trust. And with Source Logistics as your 3PL partner, you get more than certification, you get a team committed to your brand’s long-term success.