In today’s fast-paced, highly regulated market, product recalls are every manufacturer’s worst nightmare. They lead to financial losses, compliance fines, and long-term reputational damage—not to mention the logistical headache of getting everything back on track. Whether you’re dealing with pharmaceuticals, food, or industrial goods, one tiny misprint or labelling error can cause major disruptions and even pose serious safety risks.
The best way to avoid this chaos? Investing in accurate, automated traceability systems.
When Labelling Goes Wrong
Need proof of what can go awry?
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In November 2024, a pharmaceutical company had to recall 16 lots of tablets after a third-party packager messed up the drug strengths and carton codes. The mistake? A potentially life-threatening labelling error.
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In March 2025, a leading snack brand had to recall nearly 1,300 bags of crisps after an unfortunate mix-up led to nacho cheese-flavoured contamination—bad news for anyone with a milk allergy!
The exact costs weren’t disclosed, but industry estimates suggest even a small-scale recall can cost around £8 million once you factor in logistics, retailer notifications, and reputational damage. In industries like pharmaceuticals, the cost can be even higher due to strict compliance standards and safety concerns.
The bottom line? A single coding or marking error can bring operations to a halt and erode hard-earned consumer trust.
Precision Printing: Your First Line of Defence
The foundation of a smart traceability system is high-quality, legible product identification. Faded or unreadable batch codes, expiry dates, and barcodes can lead to tracking failures, increasing recall scope and costs.
At REA, we specialise in high-resolution coding and marking equipment that ensures clear, durable, and scannable prints—so your products can be accurately tracked from production to point-of-sale. Our systems seamlessly integrate into existing production lines and meet strict industry standards, giving you peace of mind that your products are clearly labelled and fully traceable.
Beyond Compliance: Protecting Your Brand
Automated traceability isn’t just about ticking regulatory boxes—it’s also about protecting your brand’s reputation. The faster a recall is handled, the more trust you retain. And with high-resolution coding and marking, you’re not just improving traceability—you’re also reinforcing brand integrity.
Sharp, clear product identifiers and logos help distinguish your authentic goods from counterfeits, making your brand stronger, more secure, and more recognisable.
Future-Proofing Your Supply Chain
Today’s supply chains are global, complex, and full of potential disruptions. Businesses need real-time visibility and accurate product data to act fast when things go wrong. Investing in advanced coding and marking technology means you can quickly isolate issues, reduce recall scope, and avoid costly downtime.
At REA, we help businesses stay ahead of risks with robust traceability solutions that enhance efficiency, boost compliance, and—most importantly—protect your brand.