What's on this page:
We send out information about food alerts and notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food in Scotland.
We also work with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to publish information about UK-wide alerts, withdrawals and recalls.
Product withdrawals and recalls
When a food incident happens, a food product may have to be withdrawn or recalled.
A withdrawal is when unsafe food is removed from the supply chain before it has reached consumers.
A recall is when unsafe food is removed from the supply chain and consumers are advised to take appropriate action, for example to return or dispose of the unsafe food.
When a product needs to be recalled, we send out a product recall information notice (PRIN). We send PRINs to inform consumers via our website, text and email alerts service and notices displayed in stores.
Allergy alerts
When allergy information on food labels is missing or incorrect, the affected foods may need to be recalled or withdrawn from sale. When food is recalled due to allergen issues, we issue an allergy alert to inform consumers via our website, text and email alerts service and notices displayed in stores.
Food alerts for action
A food alert for action (FAFA) is issued when enforcement authorities need to intervene. These notices and alerts are often sent out along with a product withdrawal or recall.
Email and text alerts
Our email and text alert service lets consumers know when products have been recalled from sale. This service is free and you can unsubscribe any time.
Guidance for businesses
More and more consumers are shopping for food online as well as in stores. It's important to use a range of methods to communicate food recalls to consumers. If a food business operator sells or advertises food products online, it should display the point of sale notices on the website.
News and alerts
Food Standards Scotland’s news and food alerts, including product recalls and allergy alerts.
