Food Recall Response Checklist for Milwaukee Food Service

Immediate Recall Notification & Documentation Requirements

Upon learning of a recall, immediately identify all affected products in your inventory using lot codes, date codes, and supplier information. Wisconsin DSPS requires food service operations to document the recall notice (email, phone, or FDA alert), the exact products involved, quantities on hand, and locations where items were stored or used. Contact your distributor to confirm receipt of recall notice and obtain official recall details including the hazard (pathogen, allergen, or physical contaminant) and product scope. Create a time-stamped incident log with the name, phone, and email of the person who received the recall notification—this becomes your proof of knowledge for inspectors.

Product Removal, Segregation & Destruction Procedures

Immediately remove all recalled items from service areas and segregate them in a designated, clearly labeled quarantine zone (typically a walk-in cooler or storage area not accessible to prep staff). Do not dispose of products without documentation—Wisconsin health inspectors will want photographic evidence of removal and either destruction on-site (with witness) or return to the supplier. Document the removal with photos showing the recalled products, labels, and isolation area, plus a dated list of quantities removed. If destruction occurs on-site, have a witness sign off and retain disposal documentation for at least 30 days. For items already used or served, document which meal periods and which menu items contained the recalled ingredient.

Customer Notification, Staff Training & Inspection Preparation

If recalled products were served, consult with your legal counsel and the Milwaukee Health Department on whether public notification is required—the county may mandate notification if a significant health risk existed. Conduct immediate staff briefings explaining the recall, the hazard involved, and corrective actions taken; document attendance and topics covered. Prepare a comprehensive recall response file for DSPS inspectors including: the official FDA/supplier recall notice, your removal documentation with photos, destruction or return confirmation, customer notifications (if any), staff training records, and a timeline of all actions taken. Common inspection violations include failure to remove products promptly, inadequate documentation, serving or selling recalled items unknowingly, and lack of staff awareness—avoid these by maintaining clear, written recall procedures accessible to all staff.

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