Coalition of Industry Groups Launches Web-Based National Product Recall Program

(The Canadian Press)

A coalition of Canadian industry associations has come together to launch a single standardized program for product recalls. The new recall program will make use of web-based technology created by GS1 Canada, the non-profit organization known for creating and managing bar codes used by businesses.

The new program will not replace or change the existing recall system driven by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. But the group representing manufacturers, retailers and distributors says it will standardize the communication of recall information between Canadian businesses.

Currently, product recalls are the responsibility of the company involved, and the company works with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and retailers to execute them. The coalition says this results in significant variation in processes and communication across industry.

The group says the new program will enhance consumer safety and lessen the administrative burden for businesses. Read more here.