Abstract:

Food safety is a fundamental requirement of the food supply chain, and ensuring rapid and effective response to food hazards is essential for protecting public health. This study was motivated by the need to develop practical tools that can support the assessment and management of food-related risks, particularly in urgent situations requiring swift action.

Although international systems such as the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) and national institutions like the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS) play a key role in monitoring and communicating food safety risks, there is a gap in the literature concerning detailed analyses of food recall practices at the national level. Moreover, existing studies rarely provide standardized methods for assessing the severity of food hazards or supporting decision-making processes during recalls.

The methodology of the study was based on a qualitative analysis of food safety systems and recall procedures operating in Poland. This included a review of institutional frameworks, selected case studies of food recalls, and the identification of key factors influencing hazard management. On this basis, the authors developed a tool for assessing food hazards, incorporating criteria such as the type of contamination, level of risk, and urgency of response.

The findings indicate that there is a need for more structured assessment approaches. The proposed tool improves consistency in hazard evaluation and has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of recall processes.