Guidelines for food recall released

Responsibility of implementing recall lies with companies, says regulator FSSAI

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 28: 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Tuesday released guidelines for food companies to implement and develop food recall plans and said the primary responsibility of implementing any recall lies with the food companies. It also said if the recall is related to serious defects in the manufacturing process, FSSAI could also review the licence of the food company.

Earlier this year, the food safety regulator had notified a comprehensive regulation for food recall.

Elaborating on its role in the event of a food recall initiated by a company, it said the Authority’s role is to monitor the recall, publicise the recall to inform consumers if required, and make sure the recalled products are destroyed or suitably improved. Stating that the primary responsibility of implementing food recall lies with food companies, FSSAI said they should ensure compliance with recall procedures at various stages, which includes follow-up checks to ensure that the recall is successful and subsequent batches are safe for consumption.

Stating that the purpose of the guidelines is to give an overview on how to develop and implement a recall plan, FSSAI said food companies would need to follow a 10-step plan. This includes assembling a recall management team, giving detailed information on products being recalled to the regulator, informing consumers and others stakeholders within the food chain, distribution chain among others.

The guidelines also state that food companies need to ensure they give regular status updates on the implementation of the recall plans to the FSSAI at least weekly.