One visible result of the new Food Safety Modernization Act: An easier-to-use search tool to help consumers find information about food recalls.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unveiled its new, tabular-format recall website Monday. It replaces a scroll-down format.

Recall information from 2009 is now presented by date, product brand name, product description, the reason for the recall, and company announcing the recall, the FDA said. The table also provides links to the recall news release for more detailed information, along with product label photos, if available. 

Under the recently enacted food-safety law, FDA was required to develop a new consumer friendly search tool within 90 days.  Further, for recalls conducted under the act, FDA must indicate whether the recall is ongoing or completed. Prior to passage of FSMA, FDA did not have mandatory recall authority for food products, other than infant formula.

FDA said it consulted with several stakeholder groups, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Consumers Union, Food Marketing Institute,Grocery Manufacturers Association, the Pew Health Group and Safe Tables Our Priority, in redesigning the website.