Mitzi D. Baum is the Chief Executive Officer at Stop Foodborne Illness. She holds a M.Sc. degree in Food Safety and a certificate in Food Law from Michigan State University.
Recalls are an integral element of the comprehensive food safety system in the U.S. Removing potentially life-threatening products from store shelves and home pantries is essential, and making this process more efficient for the food banks and pantries is vital. The modernization of the current recall system must be inclusive of the entire distribution chain—including the real "last mile."
Food companies are struggling with recall execution and communication, stemming from a patchwork of regulations. Three key issues confront industry due to this fragmentation of the recall system. The path to more effective recalls, in simple terms, is to standardize and streamline the existing system and utilize modern technology to circulate pertinent information.
With nearly 500 food safety recalls occurring per year, it is difficult for consumers to keep up. Prevention of foodborne illness—the main goal of the nonprofit organization Stop Foodborne Illness—can be aided by the establishment of a faster, more efficient, and modernized recall system.
