What is a product recall and how many a year?
According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand – A food recall is action taken to remove unsafe (or potentially unsafe) food from distribution, sale and consumption. If a product is recalled, consumers are generally advised to not eat or drink it, and to either return it or throw it out.
To find out if a recall is happening – FSANZ says – Businesses recalling food should also inform consumers through a newspaper advertisement, a press release to news media outlets, a notice in the store where the product has been sold, their website and/or social media accounts. Information on recalls that need urgent consumer action may also be issued by a media release from FSANZ, the federal Department of Health or a state or territory health department. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) also publish recall information on their website, iPhone app and Facebook account.
The following is the breakdown of the 71 food recalls in 2016;
- Undeclared allergens – 32
- Microbial contamination – 20
- Foreign matter – 7
- Biotoxins – 6
- Labelling issues – 2
- Chemical contamination – 1
- Other – 3
Food business are required to have a recall program if they; manufacture, import, distribute or transport food. If a business must have a Food Product Recall Program, it must follow the current Protocol to be found at www.foodstandards.gov.au This includes the requirement to do regular Mock Recalls and keep records of them.