FDA Improves Recall Web Search Engine

This week the FDA launched a more user-friendly Web search for recall information. Consumers now have an easier interface from which to search for food and other recall data.

The updated website was a result of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) signed into law in January. The FSMA called for a more consumer-friendly recall search engine within 90 days of the law going into effect.

The new search results provide data from news releases and other recall announcements in the form of a table, organized from news releases on recalls since 2009 by date, product brand name, product description, reason for the recall and the recalling firm. The table also has a link to the news release on each recall for more detailed information. The news releases were chosen as the source of information for the table because they provide the most up-to-date and user friendly information about any recall.  

For certain recalls the search results will also give status information on whether the recall is completed or on-going. The status information will be provided for those recalls for which FDA either ordered a mandatory recall or provided the opportunity for a voluntary recall under FDA’s FSMA authority. 

If you would like more information about the FDA’s new web site, read their press release here.