Page last updated at 13:49 GMT, Monday, September 12 2011

Food Alerts

Food Alerts are issued by the Food Standards Agency to inform the local authorities, food businesses and the public about problems associated with food.

There are three different types of Food Alert:-

These Alerts are received into a dedicated mailbox by the Commercial Team, as and when they arise and appropriate action taken on the date of receipt.

Environmental Health Officers receive the alerts and may visit food businesses to ensure any suspect food is removed from sale.  Food Alerts are often issued in conjunction with a product withdrawal or recall by a manufacturer, retailer or distributor.

Product Withdrawal or Product Recall Notifications:

The FSA issues a 'Product Withdrawal Information Notice' or a 'Product Recall Information Notice' to let local authorities and consumers know about problems associated with food.

A Product Withdrawal Information Notice or a Product Recall Information Notice is issued where a solution to the problem has been put in place – the product has been, or is being, withdrawn from sale or recalled from consumers, for example.

Food Alert for Action:

In some cases, a 'Food Alert for Action' is issued. This provides local authorities with details of specific action to be taken on behalf of consumers. A Food Alert for Action is issued where intervention by enforcement authorities is required. These notices and alerts are often issued in conjunction with a product withdrawal or recall by a manufacturer, retailer or distributor.

These food alerts can be viewed on the Food Standards Agency website

Allergy Alerts:

Sometimes foods have to be withdrawn or recalled if there is a risk to consumers because the allergy labelling is missing or incorrect or if there is any other food allergy risk.

In such situations the Agency will issue an Allergy Alert. These alerts can be viewed on the Food Standards Agency website