FDA's Oversight of the 1982 Canned Salmon Recalls

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the conduct of a recall of canned Alaskan salmon that occurred in 1982, focusing on: (1) the role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the recall; (2) the basis for the recall; (3) the adequacy of processes followed in the recall; (4) the adequacy of assurance received by FDA that recalled salmon was removed from the market and reconditioned or destroyed; (5) corrective measures taken by Alaskan canneries to prevent problems similar to the one that triggered the recall; and (6) the impact of the recall on the salmon industry.