FDA to Publicly Disclose Retailers on the Receiving End of Recalled and Contaminated Food Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new draft guidance that will help determine when it is necessary and appropriate for retailers to be publicly identified when a food recall or outbreak is underway.
Once in place, the new policy will allow FDA to publicize retailer lists for food recalls or outbreaks when the food product in question is not easily identified as being subject to a recall from its retail packaging, or lack thereof, and if the food is likely to be available for consumption. Some food products contain no universal product code or barcode, which FDA says is common for items like deli cheese, nuts, or pet treats sold in bulk, and fresh fruits and vegetables sold individually.