Entry bubble Food Recalls

By: Jake | June 16, 2008 | Category: Health

I had trouble remembering the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning that some raw red tomatoes had been linked with salmonella last week. When I asked for tomatoes on a sandwich, I got a blank look from the shop employee serving me. I wasn't alone though, the guy behind me asked for them as well. Tomatoes

It's important to note that the Food and Drug Administration has not recalled tomatoes, they have only issued a warning. You may remember that last year the FDA announced a company's recall for salad spinach, but so far they have only warned stores to remove certain types of tomatoes from the shelves while they determine where the contaminated tomatoes come from. The FDA is keeping a list of where they have found NO tomatoes associated with salmonella.

The FDA notes that there are a lot of misunderstandings surrounding food recalls. If there is a recall for these tomatoes (I'm wondering who would still have them on the shelves), the tomato grower (manufacturer, etc.) would make the recall. The FDA rarely recalls a product because it only has the authority to declare recalls in specific cases or products. For example if there is a health risk with infant formula and the manufacturer is unresponsive, the FDA can "order" a recall and determine the scope and extent of that recall.

What normally happens is that the FDA will notify a manufacturer about a product defect in writing. The manufacturer will voluntarily recall the product and provide reports on various aspects of the recall. If the manufacturer refuses, the FDA can take legal action against the company and may request a product recall on its own. Sometimes the manufacturer will find a product defect and will notify the FDA that it is conducting a recall.

Companies notify the FDA to comply with regulations and because it helps the company get the word out. You can get updates from the FDA about food recalls by email and RSS feed. Remember that the FDA only has jurisdiction over human food, pet and animal feed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has jurisdiction over meat, poultry products and eggs (they also have email updates). For information on other product recalls your best resource is Recalls.gov.

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