Chicago Food Recall Response Checklist for Food Service

Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

Upon notification of a recall from FDA, FSIS, or your distributor, immediately segregate affected products from service and storage. Document the recall notice with date, time received, affected product details (UPC, lot code, expiration date), and distribution chain. Contact your supplier to verify which items in your inventory match the recall parameters—lot numbers and date codes must align exactly. Notify your management team and staff that the product is out of service; staff confusion during recalls is a common CDPH violation. If the recalled product was already served, begin identifying affected customers (cross-reference delivery orders, POS records, catering logs) and prepare customer notification documentation.

CDPH & Local Chicago Compliance Requirements

Chicago's Department of Public Health requires food service operators to report certain recalls to CDPH within 24 hours if the product poses a public health risk or was served to customers. Maintain written records of all recall communications, including emails to distributors, internal memos, and customer notifications—inspectors routinely request these during unannounced visits. CDPH expects a signed acknowledgment from your food safety manager confirming the recall response plan was executed. Under Chicago Municipal Code Title 41, food service permits can be suspended if recall procedures are not followed. Document the disposition of recalled products: return to supplier with signed proof, destruction (with photos/witness), or other approved methods. Never donate or sell recalled items, and maintain disposal receipts.

Documentation & Post-Recall Verification

Create a recall response log that includes the recall date, product name and code, number of units affected, staff notified, customer notifications sent, and final disposition. This log must be retained for at least 2 years and made available to CDPH during inspections. Conduct a follow-up supplier audit to understand how the recall entered your supply chain and implement corrective actions—such as updated receiving procedures or supplier verification protocols. If the recall involved menu items served to customers, contact-tracing documentation may be requested by CDPH or the Illinois Department of Public Health. Document retraining of staff on product identification and recall procedures within 5 business days. Take photos of any product removal, segregation, or destruction to create an audit trail that demonstrates compliance to inspectors.

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