What Is Causing the Increase in Food Product Recalls?

In recent period, almost every week (or even more frequently), the media reports similar announcements:

• “The ‘XX’ series of ajvar is being recalled from the market due to possible foreign body contamination, announced Company A.”
• “We inform customers that for the ‘YY’ chicken pate product, series xxxxx, with expiration date xxxxx, we are conducting a recall in Market A due to the possibility of swollen packaging.”
• “Customers are informed that for the following products… we are initiating a recall due to possible foreign matter presence.”

We are intentionally not disclosing product or company details here, as our goal is not criticism but rather to analyze the recall process in terms of food safety standards.

Is the food we consume safe?

This question is being asked frequently, especially given the frequency of recalls involving trusted brands. While we cannot claim that everything on the market is completely safe, we can say with high confidence that most products are indeed safe for consumption.

What Evidence Supports This Belief?

Here is a brief analysis: In recent years, with increased consumer demand for the implementation of GFSI-recognized standards, a significant number of food producers have adopted these standards. However, simply adopting standards doesn’t achieve much; introducing rules without enforcing them accomplishes little. This is where the integrity program comes into play to ensure that certified companies actively implement standard requirements.

What Is the Integrity Program?

The integrity program ensures the quality of the GFSI standards and certification process through:

• auditing the performance of approved auditors,
• certification bodies, and
• certified companies.

This program ensures adherence to the standards and prevents any competitive advantage among certification participants.

Thus, the standard owner monitors the auditors, certification bodies, and the ongoing compliance with standards (outside of audits) by certified companies.

How Does This Ensure Food Safety?

Companies that adhere to GFSI-recognized standards maintain robust control systems, from raw material intake to the release of finished products. These systems minimize the likelihood of unsafe products reaching the market. Additionally, given the competitive market, it’s unlikely that other companies (those without GFSI-recognized certification) would leave product safety to chance.

Despite rigorous controls, production issues can still arise, such as foreign matter contamination, bloated packaging, or mold. These issues may not be detected in time within the company and can occur after the product leaves the facility.

Are We Eating Safe Food Despite Frequent Recalls?

In most cases, the food we eat is safe. However, consumers should be mindful of sourcing channels and purchasing locations, as certified companies and food retail facilities with GFSI standards provide stricter control. Additionally, recalls indicate that companies are acting responsibly toward their consumers, taking steps to address potential risks to consumer health.

Agreeably, facing the public with a recall isn’t easy for any company, given potential consequences with the media and customers. A recall itself demonstrates a company’s accountability.

What are your thoughts on this? Share with us, and we’ll feature responses in future articles 😊

Our agency can assist with GFSI recall requirements, provide training, and develop procedures if your company ever needs to conduct a recall. Get in touch with us! 😊