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Recalls Explained - How Product Recalls Work

Defective and potentially harmful products are everywhere! Last year alone, the federal government issued over 5,000 product recalls/alerts. This cost the involved parties - companies, injured consumers and the government - over $5.5 billion. This dollar figure would be much higher if you included all state and voluntary company recalls/alerts. The bottom line: knowing the latest recall/alert information pays in so many ways!

From defective car tires, to medications, to child products, recalls/alerts originate from private companies and governmental agencies. When a private company voluntarily issues a recall, the entire process is handled directly between the company and the affected consumer. When the federal government issues a recall/alert, the order is generally issued by one of three agencies: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

If you suspect that a product you own is defective, contaminated or otherwise the subject of a recall/alert, here are a few steps you can take:

Immediately cease using the product or, if it is a vehicular issue, take the vehicle to a certified mechanic or the vehicle dealership.
Check the model number to confirm that the product is defective.
Consult the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Contact the manufacturer.

Federal Regulatory Agency Contact Information:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
http://www.nhtsa.gov
Safety Hotline: 1-800-424-9393
Learn how a NHTSA Recall Works
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
http://www.fda.gov
Consumer Hotline: 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)
Learn how a FDA Recall Works
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
http://www.cpsc.gov
Consumer Hotline: 1-800-638-8270
Learn how a CPSC Recall Works