Q&A for consumers: Understanding food recalls
By Roger Hancock, CEO of InfoLink reminder
Recalls occur quickly, often without special warning. Maybe you saw something on the news about a recall, a friend sent you a link, or you noticed a sign in the store after purchasing the item. So how do you know which foods have been recalled? What should you do if you think you purchased or consumed a recalled item?
These are some of the most common questions consumers ask when trying to protect themselves and their families. The answers below are intended to clarify how recalls work, what actions to take, and what to expect when a recall affects food you purchased or consumed.
How will I be notified of a food recall?
It depends. Some companies will contact you by email, phone call, or text message. Your supermarket may display signs. Some recalls make the news, others don’t. The FDA and USDA may post recall information on their websites.
How do I know why something is recalled? Does it really matter
Recall notices must include the reason for the recall, and companies must be transparent about what happened. The reasons are important and can help consumers understand the risks they face. For example, products contaminated with a pathogen or containing undeclared allergens pose higher health risks than strawberry ice cream that is not “pink enough.”
I have heard of a recall, but I am not sure if the product I purchased is affected. What should I do?
Check the brand name, product size, UPC code, and expiration or “best before” date listed in the recall notice, and compare this information to the product you purchased. Look for a QR code on the packaging or visit the brand’s website for more details about the recall, including product identifiers, affected geographic locations, and more. If you are still unsure, exercise caution and do not eat the product.
I have already eaten a recalled product. And now ?
Most recalls are issued without any reported illnesses, and not because people are already sick. Check the recall notice and see what risk is listed. If you feel sick, call your doctor and tell them what you ate. They will provide you with advice on next steps.
There is a recall on a product still on the shelves. Should I say something?
Yes! Inform the store manager or a staff member. Store staff may have left the product on the shelves by mistake, the product may look like the recalled product but is not affected, or you heard about the recall even before the store. Speak up to help protect others.
I saw a recall online. How do I know if it’s real?
Check the source, visit the brand’s website, or contact the brand directly. Recalls issued by the USDA can be found here. Recalls issued by the FDA are available here.
Why do some recalls seem so confusing or vague?
Some companies are not good at delivering messages to consumers. And since there still isn’t a universal format for recall notices, each company must decide what constitutes “good” communication. Another reason is that recalls often evolve over time to include more products, geographic areas, and/or reported illnesses. It is therefore common for recall messages to change as more information becomes available, recalls expand, etc. This does not excuse the initial communication being vague, but may help explain why more information is added later.
Can I just rinse or cook the recalled food instead of throwing it away?
NO! Rinsing or cooking contaminated food does not guarantee its safety. Follow the recall instructions to throw away the recalled products or return them to the point of purchase.
Can I count on a recall company to ensure my safety?
A recall is not a sign that the company isn’t keeping you safe – poor communication is. Recalls actually demonstrate that the safeguards put in place to detect food safety violations are working properly. While the recall itself doesn’t make a brand untrustworthy, pay attention to how they handle the situation. Companies that are transparent in their communication – explaining what happened and what happens next – are more trustworthy.
One last note
More and more companies are stepping up efforts to improve how they communicate with consumers during a recall. The FDA recently published a letter on the need to modernize the communication of recalls to consumers. Efforts are gaining momentum thanks to organizations like STOP foodborne illnesses and the Alliance for Recall Ready Communitieswho develop better models and tools so that businesses can communicate more clearly and consistently. Until better systems are in place, the best thing consumers can do is stay informed, ask questions, and expect companies to take food safety and recall communications seriously.
