Updated: Thu Nov. 05 2009 16:24:36

ctvedmonton.ca

A team of Canadian industry groups have come together to launch a single web-based program for product recalls, which the groups say will help to standardize the communication of recall information between Canadian businesses.

The new program will use web-based technology created by GS1 Canada, a non-profit organization that creates and manages bar codes used by businesses.

As it stands right now in Canada, product recalls are the responsibility of the company involved, and the company works with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and retailers to get the message out.

"The new program will not replace or change the existing recall system driven by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. But while the government identifies there's a problem with a product and sends communication it needs to be pulled, their role focuses on how to get the item off store shelves," said Eileen Mac Donald, chief operating officer of GS1 Canada.

Industry groups feel the current process results in some discrepancies in communication across the country.

The groups say the new program will help to enhance consumer safety and lessen some administrative work for businesses.

Food and Consumer Products of Canada, which represents about 80 per cent of products in stores said it's impressed with what the program has to offer.

"What GS1 now provides to the manufacturers is the comfort and knowledge, the feedback from the retailer, the product is now off the shelf and that does not exist currently and that's huge," said Nancy Croitoru, president and CEO of Food and Consumer Products of Canada.

The program will first launch in the grocery sector, with a planned execution to general merchandise and pharmacy sectors slotted for 2010.

There is an annual subscription fee between $250 and $1,700 based on the size of business interested in using the program.

In addition to the program's creator, GS1 Canada, the industry groups include, the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors, the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, Food and Consumer Products of Canada and the Retail Council of Canada, which represents more than 65,000 manufacturers, distributors and retailers across Canada.

In recent years, Canada has seen many food and product-related recalls ranging from toys to meat.

With files from the Canadian Press