Consumer Alert: Recalls: Overview

September 08, 2008

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Consumer Alert from CPSC
Consumer Alert: Recalls: Overview

On average the government recalls more than a dozen food and consumer products every day. You never hear about most of them because they often involve a technicality that does not threaten the well-being of you or your family.

The Regulators
Three government agencies can require companies to take a product off the market.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates all products except food, drugs and medical devices. CPSC regulates products like baby strollers and toys. (www.cpsc.gov)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates medical devices, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and all food except meat and poultry. (www.fda.gov)
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the safety of meat and poultry. (www.usda.gov)

The Recalls
There are three kinds of recalls:

Class 1, the most dangerous kind, where exposure to the product is likely to cause serious harm even death. Examples of Class 1 recalls are the new Diabetes drug found to severely damage a person's liver, and the recent Poke-e-Mon ball recall. This popular toy was taken off the market after several children suffocated because the ball became stuck the small child's face covering the nose and mouth.
Class 2, is less dangerous. This is when exposure to the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. Typically this is the recall of tainted food.
Class 3, is the least dangerous. This is a situation where exposure to the product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences. This is often a recall for a simple labeling change or for an electrical product that can cause a mild shock.


		To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800)638-2772. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's web site at http://www.cpsc.gov. Consumers can report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov.

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