Food Recall Procedure Example
Example document for Food Recall Procedure. Use this as a reference when creating your own.
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Document: Food Recall Procedure
Example Document
Last updated 7/30/2026
Food Recall Procedure
Business Name: Fresh Pies Pty Ltd ABN: 12 345 678 901 Address: 45 Baker Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Date Prepared: 01 July 2023 Review Date: 01 July 2024
1. Policy Statement
Fresh Pies Pty Ltd is committed to food safety. If we find a product is unsafe, we will recall it immediately. This procedure ensures we meet our legal obligations under the Food Standards Code.
2. Recall Team
| Role | Name | Phone Number | Backup Contact | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recall Coordinator | John Smith | 0400 123 456 | john@freshpies.com.au | Sarah Jones |
| Media Liaison | Sarah Jones | 0400 987 654 | sarah@freshpies.com.au | John Smith |
| Distribution Manager | Mike Brown | 03 5555 1234 | mike@freshpies.com.au | Warehouse Team |
| Quality Assurance | Lisa White | 03 5555 5678 | lisa@freshpies.com.au | John Smith |
3. Distribution Records
Primary Supplier List:
- Local Meat Co: 03 9999 8888
- Veggie Farms: 03 8888 7777
Wholesale Customer List:
- City IGA: 03 5555 1111
- Corner Store Deli: 03 5555 2222
4. Authority Contacts
- Local Council: Melbourne City Council - 03 9658 9658
- State Food Authority: Food Standards Authority (Vic) - 1300 364 352
- ACCC: 1300 302 502
- Insurer: BizCover - Policy #123456
5. Recall Procedure Steps
Step 1: Identify the Issue
- A customer reports finding plastic in a Meat Pie.
- QA checks the batch. It is Batch MP2023-05.
- Best before date is 15 July 2023.
- Decision made by: Lisa White
Step 2: Risk Assessment
- The plastic is a choking hazard.
- It affects all customers who bought Batch MP2023-05.
- Consult with: John Smith
Step 3: Decision to Recall
- The product is unsafe. We initiate a Consumer Recall.
- Approval by: John Smith
Step 4: Notification
- Notified Food Standards Authority (Vic) at 10:00 AM.
- Notified ACCC via online portal.
- Called City IGA and Corner Store Deli to stop sales.
Step 5: Public Communication
- Posted notice on Facebook and Instagram.
- Sent press release to local radio.
- Notice: "URGENT RECALL: Fresh Pies Meat Pies Batch MP2023-05 due to plastic contamination. Do not consume. Return to 45 Baker Street for a full refund."
Step 6: Retrieval of Stock
- Removed 50 pies from the shop display.
- Received 120 pies back from wholesalers.
- Stored returned items in the quarantine fridge.
Step 7: Disposal
- Destroyed all 170 pies on 05 July 2023.
- Sent to landfill by contractor WasteAway.
- Witnessed by: Mike Brown
Step 8: Accounting and Review
- Total cost: $1500 (stock value + disposal).
- Reported final numbers to the Authority.
- Reviewed wrapping machine to prevent future issues.
6. Training Records
| Staff Name | Date Trained | Signature |
|---|---|---|
| John Smith | 01/06/2023 | J. Smith |
| Sarah Jones | 01/06/2023 | S. Jones |
| Mike Brown | 01/06/2023 | M. Brown |
Notes
This example shows a completed procedure for a fictional bakery. Note the specificity of the contacts and batch codes. The Recall Coordinator is clearly identified as the decision maker. The distribution list includes direct wholesalers. The communication example is short and clear. The disposal step includes a witness and date to meet legal record keeping requirements.
About this Example
Part of the Food Recall Procedure document collection
Document Type
Food Recall Procedure
A step by step plan for Australian food businesses to remove unsafe food from the market. It helps you meet legal standards and protect public health.