Tell us what you think of our new recalls and withdrawals guidance

Our consultation is open from 7 January to 4 February.   

This guidance sets out the roles and responsibilities of the key stakeholders involved in food safety withdrawals and recalls in the UK. It will provide advice on good practice and help food businesses to comply with food safety requirements. 
 
 The guidance includes advice on:  

• traceability systems 
• making a decision to withdraw or recall food 
• the roles and responsibilities of those involved 
• how to plan for and manage a food safety withdrawal or recall 
• the key principles to effectively inform consumers of a food recall, including a template for a point of sale notice for use in retail stores 

Philip Randles, Head of Incidents and Resilience at the Food Standards Agency, said:  

'This guidance has been created with food businesses in mind, to help them carry out food safety withdrawals and recalls with greater ease and effectiveness. It’s been developed in partnership with representatives from the food industry, enforcement authorities and consumer organisations and is a key outcome from our joint review with Food Standards Scotland of the UK’s current system. 

'We would welcome feedback. The responses we receive will help us to make sure the guidance is beneficial and helpful to businesses in the event of a food safety incident.'  

View the consultation page.
 
To provide feedback please email Debbie.Sharpe@food.gov.uk