{SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW.}

Saturday, April 14, 2007

title:{Recall plan 2}

Today I shall touch on how to develop a recall plan

Recall is a voluntary action taken by manufacturers and distributors to remove food which is in violation of laws administered by the FDA. FDA may request a recall, but cannot order one without a court order. Product recovery is only classified as a recall when the product is violative.

Recall is time consuming and costly. It may destroy a company’s reputation. Careful control over production and processing is an absolute necessity to prevent the need for a recall. In the event a recall is necessary, use the plan, paying close attention to the notification step, the use of designated spokespersons, and good communications to all involved. Careful planning will allow the processor to implement the recall in a timely, organized fashion with a minimum of confusion. This will help to minimize the public health consequences and losses to the company.

Product identification
Each batch or production lot of the product will be properly coded as described in. This code will allow the product lot to be identified as to date, batch product personnel production records, and ingredient. Without records, the whole product line is suspect. All of the production procedures are suspect.

Notification
Persons to be notified in the event of a recall include FDA, key company personnel, and distributors. A list of phone numbers and names have to be prepared.
In the event of a recall, the media may also need to be notified. Only one employee should be assigned the duty of spokesperson. Questions should be refered to him.The notification shall include the product, container size, and code of affected lots. The extent of the hazard and the level of the recall will be as determined by FDA. FDA will approve the recall strategy. The notification will include instructions for consumers and distributors for product recovery and information feedback. The contact person should

Product Recovery
Plans for recovery include procedures for segregation of affected lots, storage, warehousing, and control. Procedures in place shall allow determination of the effectiveness of the recall. The recall is concluded when FDA determines that recovery is adequate and there is no longer any threat to the public.

Things to include in the recall plan
A. Product coding
B. Raw materials records
C. Processing & production records
D. Departures from scheduled processes
E. Records of initial distribution
F. Key contacts and phone numbers
G. Sample notification form
H. Plans for recovery of recalled product and evaluation of effectiveness.

Many thanks to John E. Rushing, Ph.D. Department of food science.

11:11 PM;