Food Industry Food Recall Protocol

In May 2023 Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) released an updated version of the Food Industry Food Recall Protocol. Food Industry Food Recall Protocol May 2023

The Food Industry Recall Protocol provides information on recalling food in Australia and guidance for food businesses on developing a written food recall plan.

This protocol helps food businesses plan for and respond to a need to recall potentially unsafe food by setting out:

• the roles and responsibilities of food businesses and government during a food recall
• the key steps in the food recall process
• the legal requirements for food businesses in relation to food recalls
• important elements of a food recall plan

All food manufacturers, importers and wholesale suppliers must have a written food recall plan, under clause 12 of Standard 3.2.2 – Food Safety Practices and General Requirements. The plan should cover the procedures, records and staff responsibilities a business needs in place for a food recall.

All food businesses should make sure their recall plan is correct, up to date and relevant for their particular operations.

The protocol recommends that all food manufacturers, importers and wholesale suppliers review the businesses recall plan, conduct a Mock Recall exercise and train all members of the recall committee on an annual basis.

HACCP Australia recommends that all food manufacturers, importers and wholesale suppliers review the latest addition of the Food Industry Food Recall Protocol to ensure that your businesses recall plan meets the requirements set out.

If you require any assistance with writing or updating your recall plan or training your recall committee HACCP Australia can help you with these tasks, please contact Technical Director Martin Stone on 02 9956 6911 or email: martin@haccp.com.au