Roger Hancock, CEO Remember infolink
Recalls are constant in the food industry – and these incidents I’ll continue making news. Recent Food Recalls – Includes Potato chips, chocolate, Chicken Nuggets,Others – Published in the first few weeks of 2025. In fact, the recall is 5 years high.
As the media continues to report on these incidents, many industry leaders are worried that the press could undermine the brand’s reputation and ruin public trust. It’s time Shift that way of thinking and see the media as an ally instead of the enemy. In fact, the media is not a threat and could become a huge asset during the recall.
Working with the media during recall
Food brands must prioritize public health in the event of a recall. This includes notifying consumers and other key audiences regarding the recall to ensure they are able to act appropriately. Please recognize that media can help distribute recall information to a larger audience than any food brand arrives alone. Therefore, we will act in partnership with the media to provide accurate, real-time information and updates on what happened and what should be done next. Media coverage of the incident will help protect public health, reduce confusion and promote certain actions.
That said, it is important that the food brand is honest, accurate and transparent during the recall. If a brand shares accurate information about which products were affected, batch or lot numbers, where it was sold, etc., that is what the media will focus on.
If businesses try to hide or reject food safety breaches or are not clear about what happened, negative publicity is likely to occur. In such cases, the media searches for information wherever they can find it, and sometimes uses social media and word-of-mouth complaints in their stories. If the information comes from a potentially unreliable source, it is often inaccurate. This rapid spread of misinformation can complicate recalls and compromise public health. that’s right It can cause negative press coverage. If the recall company is not approaching or does not provide incomplete or misinformation, the story may change and focus on it.
Remember, the way you communicate about food recalls can affect your brand more than the recall itself.
Brands need to work with the media to take advantage of the opportunity to repeat their commitment to food safety with a wide audience. Recalls and media coverage around them do not necessarily define food brands that move forward. Many companies navigated the recall while maintaining reputation and customer loyalty.
Promote recalls as an active safety measure
The food industry and the media have the opportunity to “turn through the script” about recalls Proactive safety measures More than that Brand failure. Please remember that Not all recalls are due to the outbreak of foodborne diseaseslike E. coli or Salmonella. Recalls are often issued from a wealth of care. Possibility of a safety violation. Reporters understand that food brands often recall products to protect public health. Their goal is to report the facts and not embarrass the recall company.
Regardless of whether it was caused by a recall Pollution in processing plants or Undeclared allergensrecall companies can leverage the power of media to generate awareness and promote appropriate action. Strong and collaborative communication makes the media possible Focus on factwithout assigning responsibility.
To successfully collaborate with the media:
Before the recall
Please prepare in advance. Create a communication plan before it is needed. Stressful situations often spark panic, so having a roadmap to follow is helpful. Outline protocols, establishing internal roles, creating template material and messaging. Designate a media spokesman and prepare you for this role. Recall the simulation and implement a communications approach. You are ready to deliver consistent messages to match your trading partners. Doing this in advance saves a lot of time, energy and deterioration, as you don’t try to understand “on the fly” during the recall.
Recalled
It is accurate and transparent. We will spread the information as soon as possible, but only rear You had the opportunity to gather facts. Use beats to make sure you have the correct information to share with the media (and the public), such as batches and lot numbers, and the source of contamination that your product is being sold. If you want to share Inaccurate or incomplete informationcould hinder recall efforts, extend public exposure to recalled products, and possibly lead to unfavourable media coverage.
Please come near. Confusion is the enemy of well-run recalls, so please provide a clear and accurate statement. Explain what you are doing, correct the incident and make sure it never happens again. Don’t hide the incident, “spin” it, or avoid liability. Without correct information, the media could speculate and spread misinformation. If you’re not open and honest, the story thatwhich could lead to negative loss of trust among the press and consumers.
Use technical tools. Technology contributes to recalls and helps determine what was wrong, what contaminated products have moved, and more. Technology tools are also important to boost communication efforts around recalls, allowing brands to issue notifications faster and more widely. Damage included. Today’s high-tech solutions are much more affordable, accessible and user-friendly, automate communication processes, facilitate the delivery of critical information, ensure consistent messaging, and media coverage. track and monitor the sentiment of the nation.
Show concern and empathy. Reassure the public that you are working to correct the situation, reduce risks and actively protect them. Through words and actions – your brand is unwavering in its commitment to best practice safety protocols. If you encounter your message as uncomfortful or dishonest, it can damage your brand’s reputation and bluff your customers. Customers are likely to remain loyal to the brand that appears honest and authentic, and are concerned about their happiness.
After the recall
Spotlight your efforts to get things right. Explain what you did and do to ensure food safety. We discuss how future incidents will not occur and reiterate our commitment to food safety and public health.
Check the process. Meet with your team and discuss important learning. Decide what can improve with the communication approach and adjust accordingly.
Your brand can fully recover from food recalls that maintain your brand’s reputation and customer loyalty – if you are proactive, transparent and considerate in your communications. See media as an ally and asset to help your company spread information and protect public health.
Roger Hancock, CEO Remember infolink He is one of the world’s most important experts in recalls and has experience spanning retail, technology, data, regulatory and supply chains. Recall Infolink makes recalls faster, easier and more accurate across the supply chain to protect consumers and brands. With only the company focuses entirely on recalls, Recall’s Infolink solutions drive immediate action, streamline the recall process and simplify compliance. Recall Infolink helps brands prepare for recalls by standardizing data, working with the supply chain, and practicing recall simulations.
