Food Logistics

AUG 2013

Printing News serves the entire Printing Industry with targeted content for the large commercial print segment.

Issue link: https://foodlogistics.epubxp.com/i/151974

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 45 of 59

SPECIAL REPORT: FOOD SAFETY AUDITS Mock Are the Real Deal Successful management of a food recall comes down to preparation and practice. T he mere thought of a food recall can elicit anxiety in industry executives and consumers alike. Yet, conducting mock recalls has become one of the most valuable exercises a company can undertake to prepare itself for what's increasingly becoming a likely event. Not if, but when According to Mike Rozembajgier, vice president of ExpertRECALL, when it comes to the likelihood of a recall affecting a food-related company, the short answer is not if one will occur, but when. There are several concurrent drivers in the marketplace that are increasing the probability of a recall event. "In the past five years, there has been a measurable move by consumers to buy more 44 AUGUST 2013 • FOOD LOGISTICS higher today, but so too is the fallout, adds Rozembajgier. There's the disruption to business, loss of profit and damage to the brand, to begin with. And, with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and other regulations coming online, the monetary penalties for noncompliance are not to be taken lightly. The FSMA has also established a shift in the legislative approach to food safety, says Rozembajgier, "from focusing on prevention rather than detection and response." This requires companies to have a comprehensive product tracking and tracing system in place, he says, which extends from documentation to logistics. Mock recall ABC's © TongRo/Thinkstock Food recalls are inevitable today considering the global nature of food and ingredient sourcing combined with the proliferation of small producers. locally produced food and to buy from small, artisan producers, which in theory has generated more food safety concerns," says Rozembajgier. Smaller producers may not have the same level of expertise and resources as larger companies, including a professional staff, the latest technology, and more mature food safety programs, he explains. At the same time, food imports are on the rise, says Rozembajgier, which heightens the concern over food poisoning. "Three of the 10 largest multi-state food poisoning outbreaks in 2012 were linked to imported food," he notes, and the FDA's ability to inspect shipments is at capacity, to say the least. The ongoing globalization trend is only adding to the risk and exposure "as food companies continue to rely on various overseas vendors and sources for food ingredients." Not only is the chance of a recall event B y L AR A L . SO W I N SK I Food safety experts agree that conducting mock recalls are very useful in preparing a company for an actual recall event. So, how widespread is the practice? "There are many manufacturers, including large CPG brands that are not conducting regular mock recalls," observes Steve Dollase, president for supply chain at Inmar. Furthermore, "Retailers are involved in many recalls by virtue of the fact that they deal with products from many manufacturers, but most retailers do not conduct periodic evaluations of their recall processes." The good news is that manufacturers and retailers alike are starting to use mock recalls as a way to prepare their organizations for the inevitable, he says. When it comes to the essential building blocks for a mock recall, both Dollase and Rozembajgier are aligned on what's important, such as putting together a designated, crossfunctional team. Rozembajgier suggests a company start by identifying the most likely recall scenario. "Then ask, 'What could possibly happen?' 'How can www.foodlogistics.com

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Food Logistics - AUG 2013