Recalls Just Got Faster

By Mark Baum, Chief Collaboration Officer, Food Marketing Institute 

When a Class 1 recall happens, most retailers remove product from shelves within two hours after learning about a recall. Many also notify customers through e-mail, phone, websites, social media and other communications tools. In order for recall information to be delivered in a timely manner, this process takes coordination, advanced planning and quick response by all members of the supply chain. It’s a process the entire food industry takes very seriously and now there is a resource to help the recall process be even faster.

Rapid Recall Express™ is a free, downloadable, fillable form designed to be integrated into your recall communication processes. Developed by FMI along with Grocery Manufacturers Association, National Grocers Association , GS1 US, retailers, manufacturers and Industry Recall Service providers,  Rapid Recall Express™ is a better approach to effectively and efficiently communicate product recall information. The new system was created to have one “version of the truth” utilizing leading practices and GS1 Standards for more efficient and effective product recall notifications.

Along with the new Rapid Recall Express™ form, there is a “job aid” to lead a user through filling out the form along with an agreed upon shipping template. While the Rapid Recall Express™ form is on the GS1 US website, FMI has access to the form and related resources on our recall webpage: www.fmi.org/Recalls.

Here are some suggested steps to help you integrate Rapid Recall Express™ into your recall process:

• Brand Owners should integrate the Rapid Recall Express™ form or format (attribute data and sequence) into their recall communication processes so that it can be exported or sent to impacted retailers, wholesalers and distributors.
• Retailers, wholesalers and distributors should integrate the Rapid Recall Express™ form or format (attribute data and sequence) into their recall communication processes so that they can receive the recall information from Brand Owners.
• Recall Service providers should use or replicate the Rapid Recall Express™ form or format (attribute data and sequence) into their recall communication processes to help facilitate the flow of information and the value added services that you provide.

Our goal is that Rapid Recall Express™ enables:

• Brand Owners to enter data once and have the data flow throughout the supply chain to those who need it;
• Retailers to be notified about recalls from Brand Owners prior to or within 30 minutes of a public release; and
• Speedier notification of customers about recalls. 

For more information and resources about Rapid Recall Express™ visit www.fmi.org/Recalls.