WASHINGTON — An Internet portal designed to make the process of food product recalls more effective and efficient has been introduced by the Food Marketing Institute. The system was developed in collaboration with the Grocery Manufacturers Association.
For the food industry, the on-line system allows companies to initiate, target, deliver and receive comprehensive product recall information through a single portal. The system was developed to facilitate and standardize industry product recall information between suppliers and customers.
The F.M.I. said the system allows companies issuing recalls to send information directly to retailers, wholesalers and food service organizations via the Internet.
For suppliers, benefits cited by the F.M.I. include reducing the need for multiple product recall forms, enhanced verification of exactly who received recall notification and when, improved communication efficiency and allowing expansions of original communication messages when needed.
For those who buy food, the F.M.I. said benefits include access to information the moment it is available, the use of a standardized form providing the necessary information to remove and properly handle recalled products and a system that quickly identifies recalled products through embedded product images.
More than two dozen retailers have subscribed to the Product Recall Portal, including Publix Super Markets, Inc.; SuperValu, Inc.; and The Kroger Co.