Food and Drug Administration

CFA Urges Greater Transparency in FDA Food Recall Process

CFA submitted the following letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in response to the agency’s request for comments on modernizing recalls of FDA-regulated commodities. Since 2008, FDA recall policy has diverged from that of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which regulates foods including meat and poultry products. Whereas USDA provides lists to the public of the names and locations of the retailers, or “retail consignees,” that sold foods subject to a Class 1 recall under its jurisdiction, FDA maintains that this information is “confidential.” CFA’s letter explains why this narrow legal interpretation is wrong, and why FDA’s refusal to disclose retail consignee data compromises consumers and public health.