Even with the right prep work, operations with the best sanitation, pest control, preventive maintenance, manufacturing practices, and food defense can experience a recall. This article establishes the background on recalls in the U.S. and offers a look at the behind-the-scenes activity of a food safety recall, including best practices, necessary steps, and tips for communication. It also explores an often-misunderstood resource that can minimize the negative impact and expense of a recall—your recall insurance policy.
 

A report by the Finnish Food Authority summarizes the country’s recalls, foodborne illness outbreaks, and fraudulent activities for 2021. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a new webpage with resources for farmers and producers of human and animal food whose crops are adversely affected by severe weather incidents. 

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.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand has released data on recalls in 2021 and recall trends over the last decade, revealing a drop in recalls overall. Allergen recalls accounted for half of all recalls in 2021.

The J.M. Smucker Company has voluntarily recalled many of its Jif® products in the U.S. and Canada due to possible Salmonella contamination.

A panel of experts from regulatory, state agriculture, and consumer advocacy groups shared their views on recall modernization and improvement at a Wednesday educational session at the 2022 Food Safety Summit.

The 2022 Food Safety Summit opened with a mock civil trial focusing on a fatal listeriosis outbreak. The workshop was led by attorneys from Food Industry Counsel LLC and included witness testimony, cross-examination, and a jury of conference attendees.

New Zealand Food Safety has released a detailed recall guidance that includes six steps to follow, as well as resources for food businesses.

A recent study found that food recalls may negatively affect brands that rely on e-commerce more than brick-and-mortar retailers, and that it may be harder to restore consumer confidence for online brands even when voluntarily restorative actions are taken.