San Diego Food Recall Response Checklist for Operators

Immediate Response Actions (First 24 Hours)

Upon receiving a recall notice from FDA, FSIS, or a distributor, immediately cease serving the affected product and segregate all inventory by lot code and date. Document the exact time you received notification and by which channel. San Diego DEQH inspectors verify that you isolated recalled items within 24 hours; failure to do so is a critical violation. Contact your distributor to confirm receipt and request official recall documentation with product details, UPC codes, and hazard classification (Class I, II, or III). Assign one staff member as recall coordinator to prevent communication gaps.

Local Compliance & Documentation Requirements

San Diego County requires food service operators to maintain a Recall Procedure Plan as part of your HACCP or preventive controls documentation. Your checklist must include: supplier contact information, a list of potentially affected menu items, customer notification protocols, and employee training records. Keep all recall notices, internal memos, product removal logs, and distributor communications for at least two years—DEQH will request these during follow-up inspections. Document which staff were notified, when customers were informed, and how much product was destroyed or returned. Missing or incomplete records result in a violation code under California Health & Safety Code Section 113880.

Customer & Regulatory Notification & Common Violations to Avoid

For Class I recalls (serious health risk), notify affected customers within 24-48 hours if you distributed the product directly; include the product name, lot code, and reason for recall. San Diego health inspectors verify you did not serve recalled products after notification—continuing service is a critical violation. Do not attempt to use recalled ingredients in different menu items or sell them at discount; this violates FDA guidance and California regulations. Notify the San Diego County DEQH by phone or online portal if you served affected products to customers; early disclosure demonstrates good faith and often results in a lower violation grade. Document all destruction by photographing discarded items or requesting a return receipt from your distributor.

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