Understanding the Workgroups: What They Do and How to Engage

The Alliance for Recall Ready Communities was created to rethink how recalls work—not just within companies, but across entire supply chains. Central to this effort are three workgroups, each focused on building a different but interconnected piece of the Recall Ready Community Model.

If you’re curious about how the Alliance is structured or looking for a way to get involved, here’s a breakdown of what each workgroup does and how you can engage.

Supply Chain Process Workgroup

What it does: This group is developing a standardized, end-to-end recall framework that can work across a wide range of businesses. It identifies the key steps, decisions, and handoffs involved in a recall, and defines how trading partners can work together rather than in silos.

Why it matters: Most recall plans today are internal. This framework will support the recall process of individual companies and promote coordination across companies, so recalls can move faster and more accurately to protect public health and simplify complex business and compliance requirements.

Who would be a good fit:

• Recall or crisis management professionals

• Food safety and quality assurance leaders

• Operations managers with recall experience

• Anyone involved in managing or activating a company’s recall process

  
  

Standardized Data Workgroup

What it does: This group is defining a universal data set that can be used to share recall information efficiently and consistently. It focuses on what data should be included, how it should be structured, and how it can align with existing standards like GS1.

Why it matters: Even the best process can fall apart if the data is incomplete or inconsistent. Standardized recall data ensures that critical information flows quickly and clearly across the supply chain.

Who would be a good fit:

• IT and systems integration professionals

• Regulatory affairs specialists

• Supply chain data or traceability experts

• Anyone familiar with GS1 standards or product data exchange

Modernized Simulation Workgroup

What it does: This group is developing practical guidance for how to simulate recalls in real-world conditions – in essence, how to practice the Supply Chain Process and share Standardized Data. The goal is to move beyond static “tabletop” exercises and create shared simulations that reflect actual supply chain dynamics.

Why it matters: Practice reveals gaps. By simulating recalls in a realistic, collaborative way, organizations can strengthen their response capabilities and build trust with their trading partners.

Who would be a good fit:

• Training and compliance leads

• Business continuity and risk management professionals

• QA managers involved in mock recalls

• Anyone with experience designing or leading cross-functional exercises

How the Workgroups Work Together

Each workgroup is focused on a specific component—process, data, or simulation—but none of the work happens in a vacuum. The teams share insights and progress to ensure alignment so that the Recall Readiness Model works as a unified system.

How You Can Engage

Workgroup participation is open to Alliance members who want to contribute their expertise and help shape tools that others in the industry will use. Whether you’re new to recall work or have years of experience, your perspective matters.

To join a workgroup or learn more about where your expertise might fit, contact director@recallreadycommunities.org.