Industry unveils product recall recommendations

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and GS1 US issued a joint industry report identifying opportunities and methods for improving product recall management practices across multiple dimensions.

The report, Recall Execution Effectiveness: Collaborative Approaches to Improving Consumer Safety and Confidence, was conducted by Deloitte Consulting LLP on behalf of GMA, FMI and GS1 US and makes recommendations in three main areascommunication and collaboration; processes, organization and metrics; and technology.

Among the reports recommendations is a call for more collaboration among trading partners to enable early identification of possible problems by sharing and investigating consumer complaints, a spike in which could be symptomatic of a problem. The report also suggests investigating the root cause of recalls to further assess prevention measures that can reduce or limit the need for recalls.

When it comes to recall processes, organizations and metrics, using standardized industry tools and processes whenever possible will enhance recall efficiency, according to the report. Investment in employee recall execution training at both the corporate and the store level was also identified as an opportunity for improvement. Finally, the report identifies technology as the means of supporting its communication and process-oriented recommendations.Joi