How to Know if a Product Has Been Recalled
Every year products get recalled, but most never make the newspapers. Find out from readily available online resources if a product that you own has been recalled by a company or manufacturer.
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You Will Need
- Internet access
- Product information
Steps
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Step 1
Know about Recalls.gov
Know about Recalls.gov, representing consumer protection arms of six federal agencies including the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
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Step 2
Search the CPSC database
Search the CPSC database by product type, specific company, product description, types of hazards, and where the product was manufactured.
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Step 3
Find vehicle product recalls
Find auto, truck, and motorcycle product recalls at Safercar.gov. Search by model year, make, and specific vehicle equipment such as tires and child restraints.
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The (EPA) has consumer protection jurisdiction over vehicle emissions recalls, as listed in a series of annual reports.
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Step 4
Search for boat recalls
Search for recreational boat and related equipment recalls at the U.S. Coast Guard's database. Search by company, model year, and type of problem.
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Step 5
Search the FDA database
Search the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database. Product recalls include human/animal drugs, cosmetics, and 80 percent of foods eaten in the United States.
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Food products not under the FDA's jurisdiction are protected by the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
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Step 6
Read FSIS recalls
Read FSIS recalls of meat, poultry, and egg products at federally inspected plants. These cases are listed by year.
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Step 7
Be aware of your own food handling practices
Be aware of your own food handling practices. BeFoodSafe.org is a consumer education site sponsored by the Agriculture Department and FDA.
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In 1972, Volkswagen recalled 3.7 million vehicles manufactured between 1947 and 1969 because of malfunctioning windshield wipers.
