Manual of Good Practices for Food or Feed Recalls

Abstract

Product recall is a fundamental food safety risk management tool. The key to successful implementation of a recall is recognizing the importance of shared responsibility between government/competent authority and industry. Within the recall process, the main objective for the competent authority is to protect public health by ensuring the rapid removal of unsafe foods or feeds from the market. To address the impact of a globalized food supply on the facilitation of recalls, competent authorities around the world have adopted regulations addressing product tracing through the food supply chain, clarifying responsibilities within the recall process, mandatory recall authority for food safety agencies, and disposal of contaminated products. During the recall process, the key areas in which the competent authority plays a vital role include: Communication; Coordination, Initiation and Completion of the Recall Process; Evaluation of Effectiveness of the Recall Process; Data collection, and Providing Guidance and Training to Industry and other Stakeholders.