Recalls 2008: Are You Ready?

Recall and Crisis Management

The number of recalls and public notices of voluntary product withdrawals that have been issued over the last year is unprecedented in Canada. These recalls and notices have resulted in a far greater visibility and awareness of product safety and quality issues. Ensuring product safety and quality – and reassuring the public that products are safe – have now taken on a significantly heightened prominence and importance.

CAN CANADIAN REGULATORS REQUIRE A COMPANY TO RECALL A PRODUCT?

In Canada, there are very few circumstances under which a regulator could require a company to recall a product. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, for example, has the power to order a recall of a food if the CFIA reasonably believes that the food poses a risk to the public. There are also limited circumstances in which a manufacturer (or other participant in a production or distribution line) is statutorily required to notify regulators of a recall or