Expert Recall

By Mike Rozembajgier

As the nationwide egg recall – affecting more than half a billion eggs – puts consumers on edge and refocuses the spotlight on food safety, food suppliers can learn an important lesson from agro-businessman Austin “Jack” DeCoster. DeCoster – who has been linked to both Iowa farms that supplied the potentially infected eggs – was widely reported to be a “habitual violator” of safety and environmental regulations, even before his company was hit with a recall.

Even though DeCoster has not been accused of being at fault for the salmonella-tainted eggs, the media have picked up the story and run with it – inflicting damage to his reputation that that may be impossible to overcome. According to media reports, DeCoster has been investigated and fined for violations ranging from health and safety problems to environmental violations, employment discrimination, and even animal cruelty charges.

Bloggers, including former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich are accusing DeCoster of believing fines (which have totaled more than $3.5 million) and investigations are just another cost of doing business.

Needless to say, no company wants to be in DeCoster’s shoes. Fortunately, the best strategy for staying on the right side of the law – and public opinion – is simple: always err on the side of over-compliance. If your company faces a recall event or investigation, go above and beyond the steps required to remedy the problem. Don’t be afraid to be the first in your industry to initiate stricter guidelines and procedures designed to guarantee the safety of consumers. Most important, however, don’t be caught unprepared – make sure you have a recall plan in place and test it regularly.

Regulators and the public are willing and able to forgive a mistake – even when it leads to a recall – but they don’t easily forgive or forget repeat offenders who flaunt the law and appear to ignore consumer health and safety.

 Stericycle ExpertRECALL™ is the industry leader in recall logistics and regulatory compliance for consumer product, pharmaceutical, medical device, juvenile product, and food and beverage recalls. ExpertRECALL’s professionals are experts in recall management who can help you streamline the entire product recall process.

5 Responses to “Egg Recall Reinforces the Importance of Over-Compliance”

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