Wesfarmers Health - Product quality and safety of own-brand products
Wesfarmers Health engages in the wholesale and retail distribution of a variety of health and beauty products, as well as therapeutic goods comprising both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. It is dedicated to providing high quality, safe products to its customers by actively managing associated risks, complying with a range of industrial requirements and procedures and fulfilling its legal obligations.
Compliance
The Wesfarmers Health Compliance Risk Management Framework, comprising various policies, procedures and guidance elements, is overseen by the Compliance Management team. This framework is reinforced by targeted training programs designed to remain contemporarily relevant.
Product recalls
Wesfarmers Health takes product safety seriously and initiates recalls when products are found to be faulty or there is a risk a product may cause injury or illness. Therapeutic goods recalls are initiated by the relevant supplier/manufacturer in consultation with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) upon identification of issues or deficiencies pertaining to product safety, quality or efficacy. There are three categories of therapeutic goods recall that may impact Wesfarmers Health:
- Wholesale – affecting wholesalers exclusively
- Retail – impacting both wholesalers and retail outlets
- Consumer – involving wholesalers, retail outlets, and consumers.
Product safety initiatives
Wesfarmers Health participates in various product safety-focused activities and is a member of the Wesfarmers Group Product Safety Forum, facilitated by the Corporate Solicitors Office. Recent initiatives within Wesfarmers Health include, but are not limited to:
- Completion of Competition and Consumer Act training, incorporating product safety components, conducted by the Corporate Solicitors Office. Subsequently, the Wesfarmers Health Compliance Management team conducted in-person training sessions for Category Management and Marketing team members, focusing specifically on product safety, recall procedures and compliance with the TGA Advertising Code.
- Development and launch of comprehensive guidelines addressing mandatory product safety, electrical product safety, food standards and trade measurement, such guidelines tailored for Category Management teams.
Revision of product testing protocols and electrical safety policy and procedure documentation. The responsibilities of the Compliance Management team have expanded to include the review of products for compliance with mandatory product safety standards, including labelling requirements.