More on product recall....a summary

Outline of a Successful Recall Process
1. Planning ahead: A successful recall process depends on
planning of the recall management well before a problem
occurs.
2. Acting quickly: Time is a vital factor in the recall process.
The sooner harmful or misleading events are prevented,
the faster the negative publicity and financial
burden are eliminated.
3. Effective communication during a recall: The firm
should immediately provide recall instructions to everyone
in the product distribution channels. Public notification
about the recall through press releases and specialized
media is also an integral part of the recall process.
4. Recall assessment: Post-recall assessment is extremely
important in determining the effectiveness of the recall
plan in order to improve the efficacy of potential future
recalls. The current recall plan also should be evaluated
through simulated recalls.

References
1. American Society for Quality Product Safety and Liability
Prevention Interest Group, 1999. The Product Recall Planning
Guide. ASQ Quality Press, 2nd ed., Milwaukee, WI.
2. http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/recall2.html
3. http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/895_recalls.html
4. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/recalls/rec_intr.htm