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EX-AC-052 Product Recall Plan

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Alberto Pérez
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10 views2 pages

EX-AC-052 Product Recall Plan

Uploaded by

Alberto Pérez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PRODUCT RECALL PLAN

Interamerican Quality Foods, Inc. (IQF) considers food safety the highest priority. As such, the
following plan has been implemented in order to track any product that is suspected to have food
safety issues and recall all potentially affected finished product.

Purpose of a Recall
A recall protects not only the consumer, but also IQF as well as the manufacturer. A smooth recall
process can save a company’s name and prevent further damage due to negative publicity.
Destroying, replacing, or altering the product are the three main corrective actions. The following
goals are sought in the event of a product recall:

 Protect consumer health


 Comply with existing rules and regulations
 Minimize the cost of the recall
 Regain and improve our company’s reputation

Recall Classification
Government agencies (FDA or USDA) evaluate a recall’s potential seriousness. The government
agency’s assessment of severity determines the magnitude of the recall and the level of publicity.
However, the company has the opportunity to eliminate or minimize publicity by submitting to the
appropriate government agency additional information regarding the seriousness of potential
harmful effects of product distribution. Recalls are designated as Class I, Class II, or Class III.
The following table provides definitions of the recall classifications and typical examples of each.

Classification Definition Examples


This type of recall involves a health hazard Meat contaminated with L. monocytogenes
where a reasonable probability exists that in a ready-to-eat food product; E. coli
Class I eating the food would cause serious, O157:H7 in raw beef; allergens such as
adverse health consequences or death. peanuts or eggs (not listed on the label).
This type of recall indicates a potential
Presence of FD&C Yellow #5 dye in candy;
health hazard where a remote probability of
presence of dry milk, a Class II allergen, as
Class II adverse health consequences from eating
an ingredient in sausage without mention of
the food exists, or if the resulting condition
the dry milk on the label.
is temporary or medically reversible.
A package containing fewer or lower weight
This type of recall involves situations in
products than shown on the package label or
which eating the food will not or is not
Class III improperly labeled processed meat in which
likely to cause adverse health
added water is not listed on the label as
consequences.
required by federal regulations.

Interamerican Quality Foods, Inc.


306 W. Rhapsody, San Antonio, TX 78216
Tel: 210-341-4057  Fax: 210-341-0147
F:\Chris\IQF\Product Recall Plan.doc
Page 1 of 2
Planning
A successful recall process depends on planning of the recall management well before a problem
occurs. The following are requirements as preparation for a potential recall:
1. Packers are required to include the following information on the labels of their product;
a. Packer name and address
b. Product description
c. Country of origin labeling
d. Production code, identifying the date (and shift) the product was packed
2. Packers will keep on file all production information for at least two years.
3. Packers’ facturas will reference IQF purchase order numbers and must be kept on file for
at least two years.
4. IQF will keep on file purchase orders, packer facturas, customer purchase orders and IQF
invoices.
5. Names and 24-hour contact information of key contacts at plant will be kept on file.
6. Names and 24-hour contact information of key contacts at IQF will be sent to customers.

Acting Quickly
Time is a vital factor in the recall process. The sooner harmful or misleading events are prevented,
the faster the negative publicity and financial burden are eliminated.

Communication
IQF should immediately provide recall instructions to everyone in the product distribution
channels. Public notification about the recall through press releases and specialized media is also
an integral part of the recall process.

Recall Assessment
Post-recall assessment is extremely important in determining the effectiveness of the recall plan in
order to improve the efficacy of potential future recalls. The current recall plan also should be
evaluated through simulated recalls. IQF will do mock (or simulated) recalls will be performed
once each year for each packer with who IQF does business.

Conclusion
Planning ahead, rapid and well-coordinated action in the distribution channels, and truthful
communication with the public are the most important elements for completion of a successful
recall process and for regaining consumer confidence. The ultimate responsibility for removing
the product from circulation before damage or injury is caused belongs to the manufacturer. A
recall requires manpower and financial resources. When a traceability system and a well-
conceived recall plan are in place, the recall is likely to be successful and less expensive.
Government regulatory agencies, FDA and USDA FSIS, are available to help companies with
their hazard assessments. If a hazard is suspected, someone should notify the Emergency
Response Division (ERD), the Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS), or inform the nearest
FDA or USDA FSIS office in the company’s district so that the ERD office can be contacted as
soon as possible.

Interamerican Quality Foods, Inc.


306 W. Rhapsody, San Antonio, TX 78216
Tel: 210-341-4057  Fax: 210-341-0147
F:\Chris\IQF\Product Recall Plan.doc
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