How To Handle A Product Recall: The Essential Tips

PRODUCT RECALLS: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Every year, hundreds of items are recalled for many reasons. Automobiles catching fire on their own are frequently reported in the media. But what about those that aren't shown by the news?

Fortunately, you can access many resources to track product recalls and to see whether the things you're buying are safe.

WHAT DOES ‘RECALL’ MEAN?

A product can be recalled if it doesn't meet federal safety requirements. Even if it hasn't resulted in an accident or injury yet, if it's shown that a flaw could lead to injury or death because safety norms aren't met, a recall is necessary.

WHO ISSUES A PRODUCT RECALL?

The United States has many agencies that determine if a product is safe for the public, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This commission investigates the safety of various items, from power tools to cribs. If a company discovers a defect in its products, it has 24 hours to report the issue.

Several federal agencies in the United States determine which products are safe for the public. Some of which include: The Consumer Product Safety Commission; The Food and Drug Administration; and The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

• The Consumer Product Safety Commission investigates the safety of various products, ranging from power tools to cribs. A company has 24 hours to notify the CPSC after discovering a product defect.

• The Food and Drug Administration handles food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, veterinary medicines, and tobacco products.

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regulates cars, trucks, and auto accessories.

WHAT HAPPENS TO RECALLED PRODUCTS?

A federal agency collaborates with a company on a corrective action strategy following a product recall to correct the problem. In the meantime, because the firm can't sell the product undergoing a recall, it is obligated to supply a free replacement or pro bono service from a technician or mechanic.

According to the CPSC, a product can be resold under the same name and model after resolving a recall. Being recalled does not mean a product is dangerous to buy - as long as the recall has been settled.

WHAT TO DO IF A PRODUCT I OWN IS RECALLED?

In many cases, businesses must contact the people who bought the recalled products. Check your spam folder for an email account you use for online shopping to ensure you don't overlook anything important.

The CPSC also recommends that all goods are registered with the manufacturer so recalls may be acted on promptly.

Recalls.gov is the government's main recall information repository, which features a comprehensive list of all recalls for dangerous, hazardous, or faulty goods. The CPSC website also has a website where consumers may get a replacement for their recalled items.

FAQ

Q. What kinds of products can be recalled?

A. Products ranging from food to automobiles to consumer items. Food and automobile recalls are the most well-known, but hundreds of consumer goods are recalled every year as well.

Q. Can I sell a recalled product on Craigslist or OfferUp?

A. No. According to the CPSC, it is illegal to sell any recalled goods through secondhand channels.

Q. Do recalls expire?

A. No. According to the CPSC, consumers have years after the recall to seek a replacement. However, it's better to respond to a product recall as soon as possible since companies will be better able to handle customer refunds and repairs near the original recall date. According to the NHTSA, the statute of limitations for automobiles is eight years if the recall is free.

Q. What are ways to report potentially unsafe products?

A. Visit SaferProducts.gov. It gives resources on how to report and research potentially unsafe products.

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