In line with the FDA Web page, the U.S. food supply remains among the safest in the world. However, in addition, it warns that threats to food safety related to importation from multiple foreign sources, the mislabeling of products, and even bio-terrorism have included with the group of existing "natural" occurrences of food contamination.Recalled Infant Formula

While the FDA does not have the authority to actually order food distributors to issue a recall, they frequently issue recall requests. These requests, or even heeded, can result in lawsuits which force distributors to comply. Still, the August 2004 issue of Consumer Reports states a large percentage of products susceptible to recall stay static in use. The reports sites among the major reasons for that is that "companies are unable - or unwilling - to track down and notify customers" once a challenge is recognized.

The consequences of one's organization continuing to distribute a contaminated or mislabeled food item rather than issuing an item recall could possibly include expensive settlements (the average settlement for recall-related litigation is over $200,000), damaged customer relationships, and even loss of life. Smart companies prepare themselves in advance of a possible recall situation.

This is a summary of a 9-step food recall plan developed by a research group led by the University of Florida and sponsored by a U.S. Army Grant. By following these steps in the face area of a recall situation you will undoubtedly be preparing yourself to act quickly and effectively: