Food
products may be recalled from the market if they may cause health problems. In
almost all cases, recalls are voluntary actions taken by manufacturers or distributors.
Federal and state regulatory agencies have limited authority to order mandatory
recalls with the exception of infant formula. However, voluntary recalls are usually
coordinated by either the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or by the US
Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) in
the case of meat, poultry or egg products. Sometimes, the Californa Department
of Public Health will supervise a recall, particularly if the food was manufactured
and distributed only within this state.
