Expert Recall

In today’s complex business environment, it is increasingly difficult to stay on top of all the regulations and standards that apply to your company, let alone those that govern your suppliers and vendors. With more and more of the manufacturing process being outsourced, it can be difficult to make sure your products are 100 percent compliant with state, federal, and international standards and regulations. With the potential for so much confusion comes a growing need for effective risk mitigation. You can avoid problems by enforcing regulatory compliance for all your products and manufacturing practices, but it is unrealistic to assume that you will never be faced with a recall. In order to the mitigate risks associated with recall management, it is critical that you prepare for the worst case and communicate frequently with regulators before, during and after the recall process.

We spoke with Mary Swartz about regulatory compliance issues, particularly as they relate to product safety. Ms. Swartz was recently selected by ExpertRECALL to receive a scholarship to attend the Product Safety Management certificate program at Saint Louis University. Ms. Swartz is the Regulatory Compliance Manager for Michaels Stores, Inc. At Michaels, Ms. Swartz researches and interprets current and proposed regulations as they relate to company business.  Based on that research, she develops guidelines for the company’s business partners and vendors.

ExpertINSIGHTS:  Why did you decide to apply for a scholarship to the Certificate in Product Safety Management program? What do you hope to gain from participating in this program?

Mary Swartz: I regularly correspond with U.S. and Canadian regulatory officials regarding product safety and compliance issues. A Certificate in Product Safety Management will undoubtedly add to my knowledge base and allow me the opportunity to bring new ideas and processes to life in my current position and throughout my career. I am eager to learn new strategies and ways to ensure product safety for companies and families in the United States and Canada. The program will give me the opportunity to learn how to strengthen, enhance, and refine our product safety program and ensure that it is best in class.

ExpertINSIGHTS:  What is the biggest challenge you currently face in your job? What could create obstacles for your company in the future?

Mary Swartz: The regulatory environment is ever-changing. Staying abreast of new developments and issues can be both challenging and time consuming. Many states are now taking a proactive approach in regulating consumer products.  While they have the consumer’s best interest in mind when creating these regulations, it creates a very difficult environment for retailers as we adapt our practices to comply with each state’s standards rather than one uniform regulation.

ExpertINSIGHTS:  In your opinion, why do companies need to take steps in advance to ensure they are prepared for a product recall, return, or withdrawal?

Mary Swartz: Manufacturing processes and supply chains for today’s products are complex. It’s important for companies to plan for a recall. The expertise of the “ins and outs” of a product lies with manufacturers and retailers.  Those with the expertise need to be prepared to take remedial action if necessary.

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.