Expert Recall

By Mike Rozembajgier

Third-quarter food recalls affected nearly six times the number of units than the previous quarter according to the quarterly ExpertRECALL^TM Index. Pharmaceutical recalls and consumer product recalls also logged increases. Based on third-quarter recall activity, product safety remains a hot topic among consumers, manufacturers, retailers and regulators. And now, as we enter the season of giving, it is important that everyone keep consumer safety top of mind. As shopping spending habits change and we buy more products and different types of goods during the holiday season, it is critical that we all have our eyes and ears open to play our part to ensure effective recall management.

The ExpertRECALL Index examines recall trends and issues that affect consumers and manufacturers alike. Also among the third-quarter findings:

• According to FDA Enforcement reports, 150 pharmaceutical recalls during the quarter contributed to the category’s continued increase. However, this increased level of recall activity affected 16 percent fewer units as compared to the second quarter of 2011.

• Undeclared allergens remained the leading cause of food recalls, as more than 50 percent of all food products were recalled for this reason during the third quarter.

• Burn hazards and structural collapse risks replaced laceration concerns as the main causes of consumer product recalls during the third quarter.

• Children’s and infant product recalls decreased for the third straight quarter, also establishing a new five-quarter low. More than 40 percent of these recalls were initiated by the CPSC out of a concern for the choking risk associated with small parts.

• FDA Enforcement reports revealed a modest increase in medical device recalls compared to the average number of recalls for the prior two quarters.

With today’s global marketplace, consumers are able to purchase almost anything, regardless of the origin of the product or who manufactured the product. For this reason it is important that consumers register their products with the manufacturer whenever possible, or find ways to keep in contact with the companies that make and supply the products they use. This way, companies can more effectively communicate with consumers during a recall, keeping them out of harm’s way.

The 2011 third-quarter ExpertRECALL Index is the organization’s second quarterly report. The document is the only report that aggregates and tracks cumulative recall data from the CPSC and the Food and Drug Administration. Stericycle ExpertRECALL compiles the ExpertRECALL Index from data issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

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.