The Kroger Co. is endorsing Rapid Recall Exchange, an online service that standardizes and accelerates food and product recalls and withdrawals.
The Rapid Recall Exchange, developed by GS1 US in collaboration with the Food Marketing Institute and Grocery Manufacturers Association, is the industry’s only online standardized recall notification system. Using consistent forms and processes, retailers receive the same complete information, including product images and handling instructions, when a recall is issued.
“Using Rapid Recall Exchange provides Kroger with timely and accurate recall data. The need for speed is crucial in recall situations and this will help us be more efficient in removing recalled product from our shelves and communicating with our customers about recalls,” said Dr. Payton Pruett, vice president of corporate food safety for Kroger.
Kroger is encouraging all suppliers to subscribe by July 1, 2010. Suppliers using the Rapid Recall Exchange can provide all critical recall information in one communication- 24 hours a day, seven days a week – quickly alerting retailers. This enables retailers like Kroger to quickly remove recalled products and reach out to customers about recalls.
Kroger, operates 2,468 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners, 777 convenience stores, 374 fine jewelry stores, 893 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the U.S.