QA15_02c

Recall

A recall is action taken to remove from sale, distribution and consumption, food which may pose a safety hazard to consumers.  Businesses are required to notify authorities and must publicise the recall of product.  There are two levels of recall:

• Consumer Recall – most extensive type of recall, it involves recovery of product from all points in the production and distribution chain, including food in the possession of consumers

• Trade Recall – involves recovery of product from distribution centres, wholesalers, food service and catering outlets

Withdrawal

A withdrawal is the removal of product from sale due to quality reasons, underweight, labelling irregularities (that do not pose a potential risk to public health & safety) or as a precaution pending further investigation to determine whether any public health or safety risk exists.  In these instances, businesses are not required to notify authorities or publicise the withdrawal of product.  There are two levels of withdrawal, warehouse and retail.