When a product is either defective or potentially harmful, a product recall (which removes it from the market) is issued to protect the public.

Partner Agencies are required to sign up with The Food and Drug Administration to receive notifications of food recalls. Visit http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm for more information. You can also subscribe to FDA alerts here.

In the event of all food recall situations it is the responsibility of the Partner Agency to complete the following procedures: Post, Purge, and Destroy.

• POST: post the recalled item in the pantry in an area where it is visible to all employees, volunteers, and any others whom serve donated product
• PURGE: Remove all recalled items from shelving and storage. If items are not destroyed immediately label items with “Do Not Use” or “Recalled Item”
• DESTROY: Destroy and throw all recalled items in the garbage

A recall will be officially terminated when the regulatory agency determines that all reasonable efforts have been made to remove or correct the violated product.