Philadelphia Food Recall Response Checklist for Food Service

Immediate Actions: First 24 Hours of Recall Response

Upon notification of a recall from FDA, USDA FSIS, or Philadelphia Department of Public Health, immediately isolate all affected products in a designated quarantine area with clear signage. Document the exact location, quantity, lot numbers, and receipt dates of recalled items. Contact your food supplier to confirm your establishment received the recalled product and request documentation of distribution. Notify your management team and relevant staff to ensure no recalled items are served or used in food preparation. Philadelphia health inspectors expect to see evidence of this immediate isolation during compliance checks, and failure to segregate recalled products is a common violation that can result in citations.

Documentation & Traceability Requirements for Philadelphia Compliance

Maintain a written recall action plan that includes supplier contact information, a product trace-back log, and staff notification procedures—this document will be reviewed during inspections by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Record all actions taken, including the date and time items were removed from service, names of employees notified, and photos of quarantined products. Create a log of affected menu items and any customer communications sent during the recall period. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requires food service establishments to maintain traceability records for a minimum of two years; Philadelphia health inspectors use these records to verify you can identify all affected inventory within 24 hours. Keep copies of the recall notice and all supplier correspondence in your operational records.

Disposal & Customer Notification: Completing the Recall Response

Do not donate, sell, or attempt to use recalled products—Philadelphia regulations require proper disposal through licensed waste handlers or as directed by FDA/FSIS guidance specific to the product type. Contact affected customers if your establishment served the recalled item; document the method and date of notification (email, phone, or in-person). Report back to your supplier and the originating authority (FDA or FSIS) confirming disposal and corrective actions within the timeline specified in the recall notice. Philadelphia health department inspectors verify this notification occurred by checking your customer communication logs and disposal records. Common violations include incomplete disposal documentation, failure to contact customers who may have been affected, and insufficient traceability records—all of which can trigger follow-up inspections or enforcement action.

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