Standard Operating Procedure for Mock Recall Procedure and Execution in API Manufacturing
| Department | API Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/API/181/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/API/181/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 15 |
| Issue Date | 14/04/2025 |
| Effective Date | 16/04/2025 |
| Review Date | 14/04/2026 |
1. Purpose
To outline the procedure for planning, executing, and evaluating mock recalls of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) to verify the robustness of the recall system and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
2. Scope
This SOP is applicable to all APIs manufactured and distributed by the company. It includes procedures for initiating a mock recall, tracking product distribution,
documenting actions, evaluating recall efficiency, and reporting outcomes.
3. Responsibilities
- QA Head: Approves and authorizes the execution of mock recalls and reviews the final report.
- Recall Coordinator (Designated QA Executive): Plans and executes the mock recall and maintains records.
- Warehouse/Logistics: Provides distribution data and helps trace batches.
- Regulatory Affairs: Ensures compliance with regulatory expectations during recall simulation.
- All Department Heads: Cooperate in providing data and ensuring smooth execution of mock recalls.
4. Accountability
The Quality Assurance Department is accountable for the implementation, effectiveness monitoring, and continuous improvement of the recall system.
5. Procedure
5.1 Frequency and Planning
- Mock recalls shall be conducted at least once annually or as required by regulatory bodies.
- The schedule for mock recall shall be defined in the Annual Quality Plan and approved by QA Head.
- The selection of product and batch for mock recall shall be random but should cover a range of APIs over the years.
5.2 Initiation
- The Recall Coordinator shall initiate the process using the Mock Recall Initiation Form (Annexure-1), which must include:
- Selected Product Name
- Batch Number
- Manufacture and Expiry Date
- Reason for Simulation
- The QA Head shall approve and authorize the simulation.
5.3 Notification and Team Formation
- Constitute a Mock Recall Team including representatives from QA, Warehouse, Production, and Regulatory Affairs.
- Issue internal communication to all relevant departments regarding the exercise, ensuring confidentiality and traceability.
5.4 Distribution Traceability
- Warehouse/Logistics shall provide the Distribution Log (Annexure-2) showing:
- Customers or locations where batch was dispatched
- Date of dispatch
- Quantity shipped
- Contact details
- The Recall Coordinator shall simulate retrieval of product using this information and document the results in the Mock Recall Execution Sheet (Annexure-3).
5.5 Reconciliation and Effectiveness
- Calculate:
- Total quantity manufactured
- Total quantity distributed
- Quantity available in warehouse
- Simulated recalled quantity
- Evaluate effectiveness based on traceability rate (minimum acceptable: ≥95%).
- Record findings in the Mock Recall Evaluation Report (Annexure-4).
5.6 Documentation and Review
- QA shall compile all forms, logs, and findings into a single recall file.
- The final report shall include:
- Observations
- Shortcomings (if any)
- Corrective actions
- QA Head and Site Head shall review and approve the final Mock Recall Summary Report (Annexure-5).
5.7 Corrective Actions and Follow-Up
- If deficiencies are found (e.g., untraceable quantity, delayed responses), initiate CAPA using CAPA Form (Annexure-6).
- Follow-up must be conducted to ensure all corrective actions are implemented within 30 days.
6. Abbreviations
- QA: Quality Assurance
- CAPA: Corrective and Preventive Action
- APQR: Annual Product Quality Review
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
7. Documents
- Mock Recall Initiation Form (Annexure-1)
- Distribution Log (Annexure-2)
- Mock Recall Execution Sheet (Annexure-3)
- Mock Recall Evaluation Report (Annexure-4)
- Mock Recall Summary Report (Annexure-5)
- CAPA Form (Annexure-6)
8. References
- ICH Q10 – Pharmaceutical Quality System
- 21 CFR Part 211.150 – Distribution Records
- EU GMP Chapter 8 – Complaints and Product Recall
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | |||
| Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Mock Recall Initiation Form
| Product | Batch No. | Mfg Date | Exp Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| API-X | AXP2025 | 10/02/2025 | 10/02/2028 | Mock Recall – System Evaluation |
Annexure-2: Distribution Log
| Customer | Address | Batch No. | Qty (kg) | Dispatch Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XYZ Pharma | Pune | AXP2025 | 50 | 15/02/2025 |
Annexure-3: Mock Recall Execution Sheet
| Location | Contacted By | Date/Time | Response Time | Qty Traceable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XYZ Pharma | Sunita Reddy | 12/04/2025 10:00 AM | 2 hrs | 50 kg |
Annexure-4: Mock Recall Evaluation Report
| Parameter | Target | Achieved | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traceability Rate | ≥95% | 100% | Effective |
| Response Time | ≤4 hrs | 2 hrs | Compliant |
Annexure-5: Mock Recall Summary Report
| Recall ID | Date | Coordinator | Outcome | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR/2025/01 | 12/04/2025 | Rajesh Kumar | Successful | QA Head |
Annexure-6: CAPA Form
| CAPA No. | Issue Identified | Corrective Action | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPA/2025/07 | Late response by warehouse | Refresher training scheduled | Warehouse Head | Open |
Revision History:
| Revision Date | Revision No. | Details | Reason | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2022 | 1.0 | Initial SOP | New creation | QA Head |
| 14/04/2025 | 2.0 | Added CAPA and Summary annexures | Audit Feedback | QA Head |