Product Recall Information for Consumers

A recall is the process of addressing defects found in specific products. In most cases, the decision to issue a recall is voluntarily made by the manufacturer of the defective product. However, a government agency can induce, or even order, a recall in certain cases.

Which agency has authority over a recall depends on the category in which the product belongs. Recalls.gov provides a one-stop shop for recall research and links to agencies’ websites:

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) oversees recall of appliances, clothing, electronics, furniture, household products, children’s products, lighting, outdoor tools, and sports and exercise equipment.

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation handles recalls of motor vehicles, auto parts and child safety seats.

• U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) investigates consumer claims about maritime products, such as recreational boats and related equipment.

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issues recalls on animal-derived foods, including meats, poultry and eggs.

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducts recall of other types of foods, animal feed, pet food, veterinary products, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical devices, biologics, blood, blood plasma and cosmetics.

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has jurisdiction over products that affect the environment, for example pesticides, rodenticides, fungicides and vehicle emissions.

A recall may advise consumers to return a product in exchange for:

• Free repair of the problem
• Replacement with the upgraded, safe version of the product
• Full refund

Products that are deemed seriously dangerous may be removed entirely from the market — for example, adulterated beef, a contaminated drug, a highly toxic household cleanser, a children’s toy that poses a choking hazard or a household appliance prone to fire.

Just because a product is not on the recall list, however, does not necessarily mean it is safe. Often, multiple people are injured or killed by a defective product before the recall process even begins.

If you were injured by a defective product, consult with a qualified South Florida products liability lawyer about your rights and options for compensation.