Automating Recalls Dramatically Improves Speed, Accuracy, & Traceability

By Roger Hancock, CEO of Recall InfoLink

Key Takeaways:

• Automating recall processes significantly improves speed, accuracy, traceability, and communication — helping food businesses act swiftly during recalls and better protect public health.

• Manual systems are outdated and risky, leading to slower, less effective recalls, while automation enables real-time product tracking, streamlined communication, and improved regulatory compliance.

• Adopting user-friendly, affordable recall tech helps companies reduce costs, protect brand reputation, and ensure teams are prepared before a crisis occurs.

Recalls have remained a constant in 2025, with frozen meals, egg whites, hummus, ground beef, and more foods being recalled already this year. This trend isn’t isolated, as the number of recalls doubled last year compared to the previous one.

Even the most safety-conscious food brand can face a food safety breach and subsequent recall. The possibilities for error are varied, including supplier contamination, employee mistakes, or mishandled products during transport. Thus, food businesses must be equipped to tackle recalls effectively, minimizing public health risks and the fallout that often accompanies them.

Despite this, many food companies cling to outdated manual processes, favoring “how we’ve always done things.” Unfortunately, such systems can decelerate recalls, exacerbating damage and threatening public health. Time is of the essence, and firms should not rely on manual notifications or paper files when every moment is crucial.

The Numerous Advantages of Automation

Automation has revolutionized the food sector by enabling swifter, more efficient processes. Technologies such as artificial intelligence enhance data collection, robotics streamline repetitive tasks, and automated systems significantly reduce human errors. Here are various advantages:

1. Visibility and Traceability

Automation enhances real-time visibility, making it easier to track products from origin to store. This capability allows companies to proactively retrieve contaminated products before they reach consumers.

2. Speed

Modern systems help teams launch recalls within minutes, optimizing workflows while providing real-time tracking of recall progress and product recovery.

3. Communication

Effective communication is essential during recalls. Push notifications can ensure timely updates to stakeholders, while mobile platforms allow rapid messaging across teams.

4. Compliance

Using technological tools automates regulatory compliance and documentation, streamlining accurate reporting and minimizing the risk of errors.

5. Brand Reputation

Effective recalls can help protect a company’s reputation. Transparency and swift action can bolster consumer trust while ineffective processes may result in lost credibility.

6. Cost-Savings

Recalls can be financially crippling, with the cost of a single incident potentially reaching $99.9 million. Automation can halve recall duration and result in substantial labor and cost savings.

Embracing Automation: Overcoming Fears

The food industry has lagged behind others in leveraging automated and tech-based solutions. Many companies still cling to outdated methods. While some may perceive technology as prohibitively expensive, today’s solutions are more accessible than ever and can significantly reduce operational inefficiencies.

Implementing Recall Automation: A Proactive Step

It’s crucial to adopt the right tools for maximizing the effectiveness of recalls before the need arises. Audit your existing recall processes to identify manual bottlenecks and explore platforms designed for recall execution.

As automation continues to shape the food industry positively, it is essential for businesses to transition from outdated methods to technologically driven solutions. This shift enables faster, safer, and more transparent recalls, ultimately aimed at safeguarding public health.

Roger Hancock, CEO of Recall InfoLink, is an authority in recall management across various sectors. Recall InfoLink’s solutions streamline the recall process, ensuring compliance, driving prompt action, and facilitating effective preventative measures.