6. Product Recall Procedures

Was instructed to find out more about product recall and its procedures.

What is food recall?
"It is action taken to protect the public from products that may cause health problems or possible death. A recall is intended to remove food products from commerce when there is reason to believe the products may be adulterated or misbranded."

What occurs during investigations?
"It may include some or all of the following steps:
1. Contacting the manufacturer of the food for more information;
2. Interviewing any consumers who allegedly became ill or injured from eating the suspect food;
3. Collecting and analyzing food samples;
4. Collecting and verifying information about the suspected food;
5. Discussions with FSIS field inspection and compliance personnel;
6. Contacting State and local health departments; and
7. Documenting a chronology of events. "

I have also read up that the recall would be classified under 3 classes.

• Class I - A Class I recall involves a health hazard situation in which there is a reasonable probability that eating the food will cause health problems or death.
• Class II - A Class II recall involves a potential health hazard situation in which there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from eating the food.
• Class III - A Class III recall involves a situation in which eating the food will not cause adverse health consequences.

Reference

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/fact_sheets/fsis_food_recalls/index.asp (accessed: 2 May 2008)