FDA Announces Recall Pilot Program

In order to better inform customers in the event of a recall, FDA has introduced a pilot program that will help consumers identify recalled products.

When a recall is announced that has the potential for significant health risk, FDA will post a photo of the label along with the recall announcement that includes the lot number and manufacturer. The pilot program covers food products that are contaminated with salmonella, E. coli and listeria monocytogenes, as well as nut, dairy, soy and fish allergies.

The program will be used with Class I recalls, which means the product is likely to cause serious harm or death. In 2006, there were 100 Class I recalls. Over the last five years, there has been an average of 188 Class I recalls a year. If the program is deemed beneficial, images may be added to other recall announcements.

The six-month program is scheduled to begin in February. FDA is asking consumers to weigh in on the addition of pictures to recall announcements. Comments can be made by e-mailing FDA at [email protected].