The new Recall Ready Program is designed to help produce industry companies prepare for product 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, chief executive of fresh cut vegetable processor Apio and incoming chairman of United Fresh.
'Up-to-date recall plan'
"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," said Midyett, speaking at the recent San Diego conference United Fresh 2013.
The program is a partnership between United Fresh and legal and communications experts at crisis counselling firm OFW Law and Watson Green.
Companies can choose program service options that include a recall plan review, creation of a custom recall plan, and mock recall training. These program plans, with fees ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, help produce companies to prepare for recalls and to learn how to deal with surprises that can often ensue.
Assistance and outside experts
Additionally, once firms have been prepared with one of these options, they can then engage United's Rapid Recall Response Team to provide assistance and outside experts as soon as a recall occurs.
The plan offers a 24/7 recall hotline, eight hours total consultation from United and Watson Green and discounts on legal and communications services beyond the initial consultation period.
United will start providing service under the Recall Ready Program from June 1, 2013.