Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network
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NEW FDA PILOT PROGRAM FOR BETTER FOOD RECALL ALERTS
Edited by: Marissa Bunning, Ph.D., Mary Schroeder, M.S., R.D, Pat Kendall, Ph.D., R.D., Colorado State - Spring 2007
When large food recalls are announced, it is sometimes difficult for consumers to understand which specific products are included, which retailers are affected, and the time frame of the recall. With information that can be either confusing or incomplete, consumers often end up wondering if they have products at home that should be discarded.
To address these concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a pilot program to educate consumers about food recalls and the products that are affected. The purpose of the program is to help consumers more easily access and identify recalled food products that could cause a health risk. During the six-month pilot program that began in February 2007, the FDA will post online listings and pictures of food products that have been recalled so that consumers can quickly see what the product looks like. Primarily, the focus will be food products affected by class I recalls, which pose a greater risk that consumption of or exposure to such recalled product will cause serious adverse health effects or even death. Since large-scale food recalls often fall into the class I category, many products could be included in the pilot program. In 2006 alone, there were over 100 class I food product recalls, with an annual average of 188 such recalls over the last five years.
The FDA believes that showing actual photographs of products will help consumers correctly identify and avoid recalled foods. The photos will be detailed, showing the main display section of labels that consumers are likely to recognize. In addition, printed text will accompany the photos to provide details about lot numbers, the manufacturer's name, and specific information such as product flavors that are affected. On the FDA website, the Product Recalls list includes the most significant product actions of the past 60 days based on the extent of distribution and the degree of health risk. It can be viewed at www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html.
The FDA will consider both consumer and expert feedback in evaluating the effectiveness of the program. If it is found to be helpful to consumers, the FDA may consider expanding the program to other non-food products that it regulates. Consumers may comment on the pilot program by contacting pilotphotofoods@fda.hhs.gov.
Source:
- United States Food and Drug Administration. FDA's Pilot Program to Better Educate Consumers about Recalled Food Products. Available at: www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/pilot.html.
