Every year it seems there are high profile recalls for food and products that leave the American public more than a little scared about the quality and safety of what they purchase for their families.  When the product is something commonly used, the risks to the public and the fallout for the company can be significant.

For example, Fresh Express was forced to recall bags of salad (primarily in the southern states) due to possible exposure to undeclared allergens.  The culprit turned out to be Caesar Salad condiment packages.  Although less than 500 cases were effected, the financial fallout went further, as consumers hesitated to buy Fresh Express products for fear of unknown contamination.  Similarly, Kroger had to recall some store brand mayonnaise for fear of cross contamination with salmonella.  Bug Juice International also had to recall its immensely popular Bug Juice children’s drinks due to contamination by plastic or metal shavings.

A recall is expensive in more than one way.  It is important to note than in every case, the fault was on a supplying company – not the brand.  However, the brand company is the one to experience the fallout.  In all three of the above cases, not a single illness was reported.  In the case of Bug Juice, the problem stemmed from the co-pack facility that was neither owned nor operated by BJI.  That doesn’t stop the public from reacting very strongly toward those big brands – sometimes breaking with the brand for life.  A brand risks losing out financially but also demolishing the public trust when food and beverage issues go awry.

Whether you are a supplier or a bigger brand, you cannot afford to work in food and beverage creation without the proper equipment.  For example, a sanitary static mixer from Komax can handle a wide variety of products (mayonnaise makers, take notice!) designed to convert a multiple component input stream into a uniformly blended output, even “solid” materials like tomato paste.  Because there are no moving parts or elements, the clean in place applications are easy and all mixers are electropolished (no shavings here!).  Having the proper equipment means less risk to the public – and to your own brand.