Food Recalls

The Food Standards Code require wholesale suppliers, manufacturers and importers to have a written food recall system.

A recall plan is a written document that outlines in detail the procedures to be followed when conducting a recall.

A national food recall system has been developed:

• To stop the distribution and sale of food products that pose a potential health risk
• To inform statutory bodies and/or public of the problem
• To remove from the marketplace any product that is potentially unsafe.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do food service or retail businesses such as a supermarket or restaurant need a recall plan?

A: No, wholesale suppliers, manufacturers or importer are responsible for the recall of food products. However retail businesses may need to remove recalled stock from shelves and return it to the manufacturer, wholesaler or importer in which case the businesses must follow specific requirements for holding the stock in a separate clearly identified area.

Q: What are the reasons for food recalls?

A: Food recall action may be taken for various reasons such as the presence of potentially harmful micro-organisms, foreign material such as glass, metal or chemicals. Other reasons may include incorrectly labelling on products that could pose a potential health risk such as a failure to declare allergens.

Q: Do I need a food recall plan if I prepare food (for example, packaged biscuits or jams) from home?

A: Yes, however the size and level of detail in the plan may vary depending on different factors including the size of the business.

Contact Details

More information on writing your own business or company recall plan and how to conduct the recall are outlined in the "Food Industry Recall Protocol" booklet which can be obtained from:

Food Standards Australia New Zealand
PO Box 7168
Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610

Alternatively, by contacting (02) 6271 2241 or www.foodstandards.gov.au.