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Food Industry Recall Protocol

​​​​(May 2023)Food Industry Food Recall Protocol May 2023_Page_01.jpg

The Food Industry Recall Protocol provides information on recalling food in Australia and guidance for food businesses on developing a written food recall plan. A food recall is action taken to remove from distribution, sale and consumption, food which is unsafe. This means food that may cause illness or other physical harm to a person consuming the food.

The three​ primary objectives of a food recall are to:
  • stop the distribution and sale of the product as soon as possible
  • inform the government, the food businesses that have received the recalled food and the public (consumer level recalls only) of the problem
  • effectively and efficiently remove unsafe product from the market place.

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.

The Protocol also includes details on:

  • writing a food recall plan for your food business
  • contact details for FSANZ and state/territory food enforcement agencies
  • an explanation of how recalls are classified
  • flow diagram to assist with deciding if food should be recalled or withdrawn
  • examples of recall notifications.

Download the Food Industry Food Recall Protocol [PDF 1MB] 

​Latest updates - May 2023 

The following provides a brief summary of the key changes introduced in the latest version of the Food Recall Protocol (May 2023). Please note that it may not detail all the revisions made. It is highly recommended that individuals read the entire protocol thoroughly. This will promote understanding of the necessary responsibilities and actions needed during a food recall, thereby ensuring adherence with the latest guidelines. It is strongly recommended that this be done as part of a food businesses annual review of their food recall plan.

The following provides a brief summary of th​e key changes introduced in the latest version of the Food Recall Protocol (May 2023). Please note that it may not detail all the revisions made. It is highly recommended that individuals read the entire protocol thoroughly. This will promote understanding of the necessary responsibilities and actions needed during a food recall, thereby ensuring adherence with the latest guidelines. It is strongly recommended that this be done as part of a food businesses annual review of their food recall plan.

Updated responsibilities

Food industry updates

Under the new protocol, food businesses have several updated responsibilities during a food recall. These include:

  • Identifying the food safety issue and gathering all necessary information about the unsafe food.
  • Developing a communication plan for the recall in consultation with the home jurisdiction.
  • Working through the food recall process with FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) and the home jurisdiction.

Food retailers are now required to take specific actions during a food recall, such as:

  • Displaying the food recall notice at the point of sale, including business websites if the product was sold online.

Government updates

Action Officers now have an additional responsibility to initiate contact about the recall with local government if required.

Local government and public health units are now expected to liaise and comply with Action Officers' advice on the necessary actions during a food recall.

The FSANZ Food Recall Coordinator is assigned new tasks, including:

  • Approving the recall communication material developed by the sponsor, including the food recall notice where applicable.
  • Liaising with Action Officers as required.

Administrative updates:

The latest version of the Food Recall Protocol includes edits to the departmental names, terminology, and the glossary of terms.

Inclusion of Acknowledgement of Country:

An important addition to the protocol is the inclusion of the Acknowledgement of Country, showing our respect and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' custodianship of the land.

Section on Tampering:

In response to the needles in strawberries incident, the latest version includes an additional section on tampering, outlining procedures and measures in case of suspected product tampering.

Annual review:​

FSANZ will review the Food Recall Food Industry Protocol annually to ensure it remains up-to-date and effective.

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