Food Marketing Institute and GS1 US Introduce New Recall System

The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and GS1 US have launched Rapid Recall Exchange, an online service to enable prompt and accurate information exchange between retailers/wholesalers and suppliers about food and product recalls and withdrawals. It replaces an existing recall system,the Product Recall Portal, by improving ease of use and adding significant capabilities.

”Rapid Recall Exchange represents industry consensus that a standardized product recall system is critical to enhancing effective communication. It is a system designed by the industry and for the industry, which applies best practices and critical insight and expertise from industry partners and associations,” said Leslie Sarasin, FMI president and chief executive officer.

Rapid Recall Exchange complements existing recall practices, complies with the requirements of the FDA Reportable Food Registry, and features:

* Secure user-authentication
* Two-way messaging between trading partners
* Internet access anywhere, anytime
* Email alerts about new information
* Comprehensive, prioritized information with U.P.C. bar codes and product images for easy identification
* Verification of notification
* Universal notification of Class 1 recalls
* Targeted notification to specific customers
* Consistent, reliable communications
* Standardized forms, processes and instructions applying industry best practices

The system also allows suppliers to send targeted information to retailers and wholesalers to provide specific information on how to remove recalled or withdrawn products and handle them safely, as well as address reimbursement requirements.

Rapid Recall Exchange is supported by the Grocery Manufacturers Association and National Grocers Association.

All companies already participating in the FMI Product Recall Portal will automatically receive Rapid Recall Exchange subscriptions. The current subscriber list includes 8 wholesalers, 45 retailers (representing 157 banners, 11,076 stores and more than $209 billion in sales) and 40 manufacturers (representing more than $300 billion in annual revenues).

Rapid Recall Exchange is available for a nominal fee to cover operating expenses. To encourage quick and widespread adoption of the system, FMI and GS1 US are offering free trial subscriptions to retailers and wholesalers that sign up by Oct. 30. The trial period runs through Dec. 31.