Quality is not a one person's responsibility. It is everyones responsibility. If each of the persons involved involved in supply chain does his job strictly according to the requirements expected from his end, these kinds of situations/recalls can be avoided. It is only when there is gap in understanding between the specifications expected of a product by the brand owner and the contract manufacturer, that product deficiencies arise. Of course, it is the joint responsiblity of both brand owner and contract manufacturer to agree to a set of product quality defining specifications, and also the test methods to be followed( including the validation methodology of test methods). Once these are agreed to and formalised, implementation of these and rigorous adherence by the contract manufacturer should be ascertained by the brand owner. Regarding the case of Indian textile exporter losing huge order because his cotton shirts had been treated with unapproved/banned chemicals during their treatment process, it is clearly the fault of the exporter. Since his credibility and the continuation of business was hinged upon the quality of goods being supplied by him, he should have conducted these tests by himself and rejected the goods here itself rather than shipping them and then facing recalls. In case of chinese recalls, it is also possible that the brand owners may have been aware of the deficiencies but still overlooked the issue for commercial considerations.
