FDA simplifies food recall search for consumers

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration Tuesday unveiled its easier-to-use search engine for consumers that are concerned about food and other product recalls.

Under the Food Safety Modernization Act, which was signed into law in January, the FDA is required to provide a consumer-friendly recall search engine within 90 days after the law went into effect. Now, the FDA provides search results that include data from news releases and other recall announcements in the form of a table. The FDA also indicates on the site whether the recall is ongoing or completed, a requirement that was put into effect when the FSMA was passed.

Prior to launching the new Web search, the FDA consulted such stakeholder groups as the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Consumers Union, Food Marketing Institute, Grocery Manufacturers Association, the Pew Health Group and Safe Tables Our Priority to gain their insights on how to most effectively and easily communicate recall information to consumers.

"Recalls, mandatory or otherwise, are serious, and we must do everything possible to make it easier for people to know about these recalls so they can take all appropriate steps to protect themselves and their families," said Mike Taylor, FDA deputy commissioner for foods. "We encourage people to check out our new recalls search page for themselves, and use it whenever they have a question about a recall.

"The new search page not only provides consumers with an easy-to-read table of information on products they are searching for; it also represents the delivery of one of the first major actions called for under the Food Safety Modernization Act," Taylor added. "That delivery is on time and right on target, and we appreciate the involvement of our stakeholders."

To visit the new FDA Web page, click here. Additional links can be found on FDA.gov.