Food Standards & Recalls
FSANZ coordinates and monitors food recalls in Australia. Recalls occur as a result of consultation between
state and territory government and a sponsor (usually the food product's manufacturer or importer).
In New Zealand, food recalls are coordinated by the
Ministry for Primary Industries.
If you are a food business looking to undertake a food recall in Australia contact the FSANZ Recall Coordinator on 02 6271 2610 (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday) or 0412 166 965 (after hours).
Please note: the information below applies only within Australia.
[h=3]What is a food recall?[/h] A
food recall removes food that may pose a health or safety risk from distribution, sale and consumption.
A food recall may occur because of a report or complaint from manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, government and consumers. It may also occur as a result of a food business conducting internal testing and auditing.
Food recalls can be at the
trade or
consumer level.
A food withdrawal, which is different from a food recall, removes food from the supply chain for reasons other than protection of public health and safety, for example, if the food is labelled as 200 grams but weighs only 150 grams.