There seems to have been a large number of food-related product recalls lately, and it has brought up some very valid questions. What happens when consumers don't hear about the recalls of products they have recently purchased, and equally frightening - what happens when the stores that sell these products aren't even aware? The FDA hopes to change that with a 6-month pilot program they are launching, designed to educate and assist consumers in identifying recalled products that could potentially pose significant health risks.

In the test program, they will mostly be focusing on the awareness of class I recalls - tainted products that could potentially cause serious adverse health consequences or death. These include foods contaminated with Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and more, plus those that contain food allergens ingredients such as nuts, soy, dairy, etc. In 2006 alone there were over 100 such recalls, though the average over the past 5 years is more like 188 - quite a significant number.

Their plan? They intend to post pictures of the recalled food and include them with press releases, so consumers can better identify the products. I'll admit, it sounds a little weak, but it is an important first step. Having a visual image of the recalled product will certainly help consumers identify the product, but of course they have to actually see the pictures / press releases for this to benefit anyone.

According to the FDA: "The purpose is to increase food safety by making it easier for consumers to identify a recalled product that poses a significant health risk. The pictures will show a sample of the principal display panel, which consumers generally see when the product is on a retailer's shelf. It is important for consumers to read the text of the press release that will be posted along with the photo for specific identifying information such as lot numbers, manufacturers' name, etc."

What do you think? Is this enough to make a significant difference in public awareness of the recalled products? If not, in your opinion how could the FDA (or your own government agency) better inform the public of these dangerous health risks?