What is Food RecallWhat is Food Recall

A food recall is a voluntary action by a manufacturer or distributor to protect the public from products that may cause health problems or possible death. A recall is intended to remove food products from commerce when there is reason to believe that the products may be adulterated or misbranded.

RECALL - India ScenarioRECALL - India Scenario

Till now there was no such legislation.

Now it is envisaged under the Food safety and standards Act 2006 and has been introduced as Section 28.

FOOD RECALL UNDER FOOD RECALL UNDER THE NEW ACTTHE NEW ACT

Section 28: If a food business operator has reason to believe that a food which he has processed, manufactured or distributed is not in compliance with this Act, or the rules he shall:

Immediately initiate procedures to withdraw the food in question from the market and consumers indicating reasons for withdrawImmediately inform the competent authorities and co-operate with themInform the authorities of the action taken to prevent risks to the consumers.

RECALL PROCEDURERECALL PROCEDURE

Types of Recall:

• Firm Initiated Recall – Voluntarily initiated by Firms • Food Authority Initiated Recall – Initiated by Local Competent Authority/ Food Authority

Recall Classification:

• Class I Recalls: for dangerous or defective food products that could cause serious health problems or even death.• Class II Recalls: for food products that are unlikely to cause any adverse health problems, but that violate the Act and the rules & regulations made there under.

Recall Communication to be sent immediately notifying each of its affected consignees;

Inform the Consumer at the earliest – through press release, letter to the concerned parties or paid advertisement in the media.

If the food is unsafe Advertisement to carry warning “ Do not Consume”

On recovery firm may correct or reprocess the recovered food;

If the Food is unsafe, recalled product to be destroyed;

During Recall periodical reports to be submitted to Local Competent Authority (LCA);

Recall terminated by Food Authority/ LCA by written Notification.

Even if the recall is complete LCA/ Food Authority competent to take Regulatory Action.

RECALL PROCEDURE