ATTACHMENT 5 Case Barcode Requirements
To help optimize pick accuracy, and to align with the recently updated Food Traceability Final Rule, as part of Section 204( d) of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act(“ FSMA”)( See KeHE’ s Supplier Expectations Manual for more information), all outer cases that contain multiple selling units shipped to KeHE must comply with these“ Case Barcode Requirements.” In addition to the Summary Level Information below, the Case Barcode Requirements have been separated by section provide additional background and clarity for each requirement:( 1) GS1-128 Barcode Requirements, and( 2) GTIN-14 Barcode Requirements.
Summary Level Information:
❖ KeHE prefers all outer cases that contain multiple selling units to display a GS1-128 barcode that encodes the GTIN-14 barcode, the Expiration Date, and Lot Code.
GTIN-14 Barcode Expiration Date
Lot Code
❖ All Products sold to KeHE that are on the Food Traceability List(“ FTL”) must contain the GS1-128 barcode to ensure traceability requirements are maintained throughout the supply chain. Please see KeHE’ s Supplier Expectations Manual for more information on the FTL.
❖ For Products not on the FTL, KeHE will accept the GTIN-14 barcode at this time, however, Suppliers should note that KeHE may update this requirement as necessary to comply with retailer requirements, and any new laws and regulations.
❖ KeHE does not provide the tools or software necessary to create barcodes. For additional information and assistance, please visit www. gs1us. org, and contact GS1 directly.
GS1-128 BARCODE REQUIREMENTS:
Many industry and applications use GS1-128 for encoding GTIN-14s, as further explained below. The GS1-128 barcode allows other data to be included such as; best before dates, batch / lot numbers, and case weight. KeHE will accept Products with scannable GS1-128 barcodes at its distribution centers, however, it must include a unique 14 digit case GTIN barcode to identify products at the warehouse receiving pack, sellable case pack, and item level.
It is Supplier’ s responsibility to create the GS1-128 barcode, including the GTIN-14, and Supplier remains independently obligated to provide accurate and complete information for proper product labeling and identification. In addition to the Case Barcode Non-Compliance Fee, as defined herein, Supplier shall be responsible and liable to KeHE for any fees, fines, costs, charges, or expenses caused as a result of Supplier’ s inaccurate GTIN-14 / GS1-128 barcode information or non-compliance, and such amounts incurred by KeHE related to GTIN non-compliance shall be charged back to the Supplier, including those accrued prior to the effective date of this such date. Should you not comply with KeHE’ s GTIN / GS1-128 Requirements, KeHE may, at its option and sole discretion, restrict or discontinue your products. Note, although KeHE will accept GS1-128 barcodes at its distribution centers, KeHE will still pass through any charges by customers where this format is not accepted.
What are the requirements for the GS1-128 bar codes?
KeHE Inbound Routing Guide Version 15.0 November 2025 Page 18 of 22