A recall is a tool used by a company to remove products from sale that may be defective or harmful. Most recalls are voluntary actions taken by a company.
When food recalls are announced, the appropriate governmental agency reviews that announcement and assigns a classification based on the reason for the recall. Some recalls may have illness outbreaks or injury reports related to them. Others have tested positive for undeclared allergens or pathogens.
The recall announcement is reviewed by either the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Consumers can find the recall announcements posted on these agencies’ web pages.
In an effort to better serve Missouri citizens, the Department of Health and Senior Services receives these announcements and reviews them to see how Missouri citizens are affected by the recall. Companies that issue recall notifications that list products that may have been distributed to Missouri or neighboring states are contacted by the department to determine distribution. Recalls specific to Missouri are posted to the department’s recall web page.
When a recalled product is available at retail food establishments in Missouri, the information on distribution is shared with local public health agencies. With this distribution information, food safety inspectors across the state assure that the recalled products have been removed from sale.
Find information on recalls at the following site: www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts. People can also visit health.mo.gov/safety/foodrecalls.
