United Fresh Unveils ‘Recall Ready’ Program

United Fresh Produce Association introduced a new Recall Ready Program at its 2013 convention in San Diego this week that will enable produce industry companies to prepare for recalls, as well as provide professional assistance for managing recall events.

“The Recall Ready Program is all about meeting the needs of our members in regards to one of our industry’s most critical priorities – food safety,” said Ron Midyett, CEO of Apio and incoming chairman of United Fresh. “If any of you don’t have an up-to-date recall plan, or haven’t been through recall training, I strongly urge you to consider this program.”

Designed to give companies the confidence that they are prepared in advance and have the resources to respond to any recall situation, Recall Ready is a partnership between United Fresh and the legal and communications experts at OFW Law and Watson Green, which are regarded among the food industry’s leading crisis counseling firms.

With a fee structure ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, companies can choose program service options that include a recall plan review, creation of a custom recall plan and mock recall training. Additionally, once companies have completed one of these services, companies can then engage United’s Rapid Recall Response Team to provide assistance from United and outside experts from the first moments of a recall crisis.

The plan, which offers a 24/7 recall hotline and eight hours total consultation from United and Watson Green, also includes discounts on legal and communications services, if needed, beyond the initial consultation period.

“For minimizing the impact of a recall on your business, there’s nothing more important than having a plan and making sure your team is prepared to execute that recall plan,” said Dr. David Gombas, SVP of food safety and technology at United Fresh.

United will start providing service under the Recall Ready Program starting June 1, 2013. Members attending United Fresh 2013 in San Diego were able to register onsite for the program and receive a 10 percent discount.

For more information, visit unitedfresh.org.