In a world where toasters have labels telling you not to put anything that isn’t bread inside them, it’s fair to say that many consumers don’t pay attention to warnings.

Whether that’s down to complacency, or exhaustion from companies ensuring every possible negative outcome from the use of the product is mitigated, these safeguards are here to stay.

But sometimes, an unintended flaw or danger presents itself in a product which could never have been predicted.

Which is where a product recall comes into effect.

A product recall is when a manufacturer requests that a product is returned by retailers because they’ve discovered some form of product defect or safety issue that can put customers in danger and/or make the manufacturer/retailer vulnerable to legal action.

It’s essentially a mitigation process. It’s designed to limit any bad publicity on the corporate image and also limit the liability for negligence or damages, which can cause eye watering amounts of legal costs.

Recalls are a very costly process because companies are put at financial risk from multiple angles:

– The cost for handling the recalled product. 

– Replacing the recalled product. 

– Potentially being held financially responsible for any negative outcomes from the recalled product being used.

But none of that can hold a candle to the cost of someone becoming severely and permanently injured by a product.

Or indeed the cost if someone were to tragically lose their life.

Handling a product recall correctly, efficiently and appropriately is not just the best move for businesses, it’s a moral obligation. And if done wrong, can have severe costs, not all of them financial.

That’s why over here in the UK in 2018, the government introduced the “PAS 7100” which was the first ever government-backed Code of Practice for product safety recalls published. It was created thanks to recommendations from leading industry safety experts.

It provides practical guidance to help ensure businesses can act appropriately to protect their consumers should one of their products be defective or dangerous. 

Its guidance for businesses is centred around:

– Monitoring product safety and traceability

– Product Safety Incident plans

– Managing a recall or corrective action situation

It also includes advice and steps for Market Surveillance Authorities in supporting businesses in meeting the PAS 7100 requirements.

And it’s really important that businesses like yours know how to use the PAS 7100 effectively too. 

Because it’s the best way you can act safely when it comes to monitoring the safety of your products and acting when issues arise.

You’ll be upholding your legal responsibilities and it also means that the process of managing product safety incidents will be more efficient and effective, because you’ve planned in advance.

So get started in your risk mitigation for product safety issues with our bespoke training.

Get in touch with us today to receive full, in depth training on PAS 7100.

With classroom and e-learning training options in Product Recalls we’ll ensure you’re ready should the worst happen.