Q: Why Are Food Products recalled?
A: Food products are recalled for a variety of reasons ranging in seriousness. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies recalls into the following categories:

• Class I Recall: a situation in which there is reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
• Class II Recall: a situation in which use of or exposure to a product may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.
• Class III Recall: a situation in which use of or exposure to a product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.
• Market Withdrawal: occurs when a product has a minor violation that would not be subject to FDA legal action. The firm removes the product from the market or corrects the violation.

Q: How is TOP Food & Drug notified of a recall?
A: We are made aware of recalls in many different ways; including, but not limited to:

• The FDA
• The United States Department of Agriculture
• The product manufacturer
• Local health jurisdictions
• The product distributors
• The media. In many cases, a manufacturer recalls a product and issues a media release immediately. Therefore, it is possible that consumers will hear about the product recall on the news before the manufacturer or a regulatory agency has notified us.

Q: What products are covered by the TOP Connection recall notification system?
A: The TOP Connection electronic notification system applies only to products (other than prescription drugs) that are considered a Class I or Class II recall as defined by the FDA and that TOP Food & Drug sold prior to the recall. For more information you can go to: www.fda.gov and click on Recalls and Safety Alerts.

Q: Why doesn’t the TOP Connection’s recall notification system cover prescription drugs?
A: National Privacy Laws prevent us from including prescription drugs as part of our automatic recall notification system, however if a prescription drug is recalled, the pharmacy will take the lead in notifying affected customers.

Q: Should I rely exclusively on TOP Connection’s recall notification system to learn of any recalls?
A: No. TOP Connection has created the recall notification system voluntarily as a complimentary service for our customers. While we will endeavor to send out a notice within 24 hours after we learn of a recall, we cannot guarantee that a notice will always go out. In addition, because we learn of recalls from other sources, we cannot guarantee the timeliness or accuracy of the notifications. And, of course, there is always the possibility of technical problems that will prevent the notice from going out or from being received.

Q: Where can I find more information about recalls?
A: More information is available at: www.recalls.gov. This website provides recall information and safety tips from six different government agencies. You may also contact your local health department for more information or to report a possible food borne illness.

Q: Where can I find more information on food safety?
A: Food safety information is available at: www.FoodSafety.gov.