Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

FDA Food Recall Early Alert

A shopping cart in a grocery store aisle with text "Food for Thought"

Media Contact


media@oig.hhs.gov
202-619-0088

In August 2016, OIG found that the Food and Drug Administration did not have an efficient and effective food recall initiation process that helps ensure the safety of the Nation's food supply. Specifically, FDA did not have policies and procedures to ensure that firms or responsible parties initiated voluntary food recalls promptly. This issue is a significant matter and requires FDA's immediate attention.

OIG suggests that FDA update its policies and procedures to instruct its recall staff to establish set timeframes for (1) FDA to request that firms voluntarily recall their products and (2) firms to initiate voluntary food recalls.

Audio News Release

Media Materials - FDA Food Recall Early Alert Audio News Release

Download the PDF (Nutbutter)

Download the PDF (Cheese)

* Please see the alert for a text-based explanation of these graphics.

Last updated March 4, 2021