FDA Launches Program to Help Consumers Identify Recalled Food Products

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a six-month pilot program designed to help consumers identify recalled food products. As part of the program, FDA will post on its website a photo showing the recalled product and its label along with a press release announcing the reasons for the recall, the manufacturer's name and affected lot numbers.

According to FDA's announcement, typical food risks that will be covered include allergens in foods, such as nuts, dairy, soy and fish ingredients; and foods contaminated with dangerous microorganisms, such as Salmonella, E coli 0157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes.

"We think this has the potential to be a positive program that could reduce consumer confusion about food recalls," said Allen Sayler, IDFA senior director of regulatory affairs.

The program began last month and is expected to run through mid- to late August. At the end of the pilot period, FDA will evaluate the program's effectiveness and assess its benefits to consumers.

FDA has said that consumer and industry feedback will play an important role in its decision on whether to continue the program, and is seeking comments during the six-month period. Members may send their comments to FDA at pilotphotofoods@fda.hhs.gov.

IDFA plans to monitor the progress of the program and assess its benefits to consumers during the pilot period.

To view a sample recall page with photos, click here. For more information, contact Sayler at asayler@idfa.org or 202-220-3544.

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Posted March 5, 2007