The Lessons Learned

Maple Leaf Foods has been all over the Canadian media. Their outbreak has been linked to 12 deaths in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan.

What Maple Leaf Foods did to get out of this crisis:

• Use a prominent spokesperson - Once Maple Leaf Foods was linked to the outbreak, CEO Michael McCain wasted no time in getting out in front of the media and telling the company's side of the story.
• Publicly apologize - McCain, personally apologized for the tragic incidents in a video that was broadcasted on national television.
• Be Proactive - Once the link between Maple Leaf Foods and the listeria outbreak was confirmed, the company decided to recall all 220 products with packaged meats produced at the plant.
• Fix the problem - The company assembled experts to consult and advice the company.
• Use appropriate messaging - The company has released well thought-out messages to share to the public.
• Be Consistent - The company has been consistent in its messaging.
• Be open- The company is acknowledging the seriousness of the problem. The homepage of the Maple Leaf Foods website features up-to date information of company linked to the recall.

In a crisis, these 7 points is something any company can learn from.

Stay tuned!