About this guidance
Information on this web page is also available to download as a document.
Simulated food recall guidance for businesses [PDF, 562 KB]
What is a simulated food recall?
A simulated or mock recall tests the effectiveness of your traceability and recall procedures. It involves developing a scenario, carrying out your scenario in a similar way to a genuine food recall, then reviewing how effective it was to identify any areas for improvement.
A simulated recall is a bit like an emergency evacuation drill, it can help:
- to improve capability (to make a real recall quicker and more effective)
- support everyone involved so they are clear on roles and responsibilities, and know what to expect in a real recall
- identify any gaps or areas for improvement in your procedures
- demonstrate the importance of good traceability record-keeping to staff.
A successful simulated recall scenario should result in either:
- a consumer-level simulated recall, which involves simulating the process for removing affected product from the supply chain and communicating to consumers, or
- a trade-level simulated recall, which involves simulating the process for removing affected product from the food supply chain.
Who should be involved in a simulated recall?
You should aim to involve everyone in your in a simulated recall who would be involved in a real recall. This means senior staff, as well as staff involved with operations, marketing and communication, and sales and distribution.
How often you should do a simulated recall
From 1 July 2023, businesses with a plan or programme under the Food Act, Wine Act, or Animal Products Act, as well as importers and exporters, will need to carry out a simulated recall. Regulations will require this at least every 12 months after a simulated recall, or a genuine recall if that recall demonstrated the traceability and recall procedures to be effective.
Guidance for businesses that sell food for immediate consumption only
There is no expectation that food service businesses such as restaurants, cafés, and coffee carts will have procedures for recalling the food they sell to consumers. This is because the food is sold for immediate consumption. These businesses are also not expected to do simulated food recalls.
Nevertheless, all food businesses have a part to play in the food chain and can be affected by a food recall at any time. Food service businesses should understand what a food recall is and how it can affect their businesses. For example, a food service operator should know:
- what a recall is
- how to manage a recalled ingredient received from a supplier who is undertaking a recall
- how to manage any product made using the recalled ingredient.
Note that food businesses with a mixed scope, that may include wholesale or packaged food, will need recall procedures, and will need to undertake simulated recalls.
