Planning for and Conducting Product Recalls

The “R” word is perhaps the one that evokes the most fear in the hearts and minds of all manufacturers of all kinds of goods, and processed foods are probably the most sensitive of manufactured goods that can be subjected to this process. The public is accustomed to relying on the quality, safety and purity of its food supply and any aberrations to that supply are often met with highly charged emotionally driven reactions that can be devastating to the good name and goodwill of your brands and labels.

Current FDA and USDA FSIS compliance policies govern and set forth the steps that must be taken to correct violative, or potentially violative product in the distribution chain. While the decision to recall product from distribution remains a voluntary decision, there could be considerable pressure or threat of seizure brought to bear by either agency in the event that there is evidence of danger to the public health by not retrieving potentially violative product from the marketplace or distribution.

Most firms have written recall plans in place, some have recent experience in conducting a recall, but whatever your situation, it is always helpful to have the calm and certain guidance of experience of the professionals at IEH to help with everything from risk assessment to preparing press releases and helping liaison with the regulatory agencies.