GS1 Recallnet, a new national product recall service to remove potentially harmful grocery, food, liquor and other products from the supply chain, was launched Australia-wide August 10, 2011.

The new service extends existing GS1 Australia services and enables industry to manage product recalls and withdrawals online. Maria Palazzola, CEO of GS1 Australia, said that it will build consumer safety into the supply chain.

Kate Carnell, CEO of the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) said, “Product recalls pose a significant challenge to Australian manufacturers and this portal will enable them to manage recall notifications easily, ensuring the food safety of all Australians.

“Australia’s food and grocery industry has an excellent food safety record and Recallnet provides a world class tool for manufacturers to ensure we maintain this record.”

GS1 Recallnet was developed by GS1 Australia in collaboration with the AFGC, Efficient Consumer Response Australasia (ECRA), the Liquor Merchants’ Association (LMAA), Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the Food Service Association of Australia (FSAA) and leading Australian retailers and manufacturers.

According to the AFGC, companies can use GS1 Recallnet to manage recall and withdrawal notifications online, safely and securely. It simplifies the process of issuing notifications and enables customers to provide feedback.

“Food and consumer products organisations can use the service to reduce errors, decrease the amount of time it takes to respond to a recall and mitigate the costs associated with managing the recall process,” said the AFGC.

“Global supply chain standards are foundational to effective product recall. GS1 global standards are used by millions of companies around the world to enhance the safety, security and efficiency of their supply chains. Tracking of products through the supply chain into the hands of consumers has been identified by the ACCC as fundamental to improving recall effectiveness and the use of GS1 Recallnet and GS1 Standards provides industry with this ability,” added Palazzolo.