Food Product Recalls in Switzerland

The Recall Procedure

When a foodstuff poses a health risk, the person responsible for placing it on the market must immediately withdraw or recall it, in accordance with art. 84 FUAO.

Difference Between Withdrawal and Recall

Withdrawal means preventing the distribution of the product in the commercial chain. Recall goes further: it aims to recover products already sold to consumers. A recall is necessary when the product is already in consumers' hands and poses a health risk.

Manufacturer Obligations

The person responsible for placing the product on the market must:

1. Immediately inform the competent authorities (cantonal chemist)
2. Identify the affected batches through traceability
3. Inform distributors and, in case of recall, consumers
4. Take the necessary measures to eliminate the danger

The Role of the FSVO

The FSVO coordinates recalls at the national level and publishes recall notices on its website. It ensures communication with foreign authorities for imported or exported products, notably via the RASFF system (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed).

Manufacturer Liability

The manufacturer may be held liable under civil law (damages, art. 1 PLA) and criminal law (art. 49 FSDA) in cases of endangering consumer health through non-compliant foodstuffs.

Prevention

An effective self-supervision system, including regular analyses and rigorous traceability, helps minimise recall risks and react quickly when problems arise.