NZ streamlines food recall with new guidance

New Zealand Food Safety has updated its food recall guidelines to make recalls faster and easier for companies.

The new system includes a selection of example procedures for recalling foods, as well as checklists and spreadsheets that businesses can access. The recall risk assessment and audit forms have also been updated.

“Food businesses generally do a good job of keeping their customers safe. When things go wrong, they have a responsibility to work quickly and effectively to identify and remove potentially unsafe products from shelves,” said New Zealand Food Safety deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle.

“The updated guidance will drive consistent best practice across all food business no matter their size or business model.

“We worked closely with food businesses and verifiers to ensure the guidance was practical, relevant and easy to use.”

New Zealand Food Safety will also be launching video guidance about how to conduct a food recall and an online tool will be released later in the year.

For more information about the new food recall guidance, visit www.mpi.govt.nz/food-business/food-recalls/.

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