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The protection of the health and safety of consumers is a fundamental requirement and a legal obligation of all companies involved in the production and sale of food and grocery products. Suppliers and retailers must take every precaution to ensure products are safe. They are committed to ensuring that the quality of products is maintained and that the information provided to consumers is accurate. However, problems sometimes occur which require the recall or withdrawal of products.
While the supplier has absolute responsibility for the safety of its products, the removal of the product from the marketplace is a shared responsibility throughout the distribution chain. Recalls which are not handled correctly can place consumers at risk, impose large and unnecessary costs on the companies involved and leave them liable to legal action.
Managing a product safety concern, which may result in a product recall, should be undertaken in line with the company Crisis Management Plan, which includes the identification of an appropriate response system and an integrated Food Recall Plan. AFGC has developed a guideline to assist companies in developing their own specific Crisis Management Guide.
Australian and New Zealand suppliers, retailers and wholesalers have, through Efficient Consumer Response Australasia, adopted processes for product recall and withdrawal and developed a standardised form for the notification of retailers. This enables the adoption of standardised processes to overcome possible differences in the requirements of individual retailers and wholesalers and at the same time, meet the initial needs of the organisation.
The standardised data requirement means the scope for error is reduced, the efficiency of the process is enhanced, and costs to suppliers, retailers and wholesalers are also reduced. While information relating to sales channels other than supermarkets, such as convenience stores, food service and vending machines, is not included, the standardised form may also meet the demands of trading partners in those channels. AFGC recommends the food industry use this Product Recall/Withdrawal Form. Click on the link below to download a copy.
A particular issue to be considered by the initiators of a recall or withdrawal is the time at which other interested parties – retailers, wholesalers, government agencies and consumers – are advised of the recall or withdrawal. Notification late in the day, and especially late on a Friday afternoon, creates added complexity, inconvenience and cost for all parties. Comments or requests for further information on these processes and the associated contact information should be addressed to:
AFGC Secretariat
Email:
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Ph: (02) 6273 1466
Fax: (02) 6273 1477
More information about product recall procedures is available on the FSANZ website.
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