Product Recalls
Thousands of consumer products are recalled every year because of manufacturing, design, or safety defects. Product recalls are issued by various government agencies to protect consumers from unnecessary harm or fraudulent practices on the part of manufacturers or retailers. There are many consumer protection agencies through which individuals can obtain information on product recalls. Depending on the type of defective product, consumers can contact the following agencies to learn more about product recalls:
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (covers more than 15,000 types of consumer products including toys, coffee makers, lawn mowers, and more)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (for defective automobiles)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (covers various defective food products such as meat, dairy, and egg products)
- Environmental Protection Agency (for defective pesticides, fungicides, and rodenticides)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (covers defective drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices, among other things)
- A Drug Recall (for pharmacuetical defects and recalls)
- U.S. Coast Guard (for defective watercraft)
- Federal Trade Commission ( the national agency that protects consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices is also a good place to look for important consumer information)
All of these agencies update their websites regularly so that consumers can have access to the most recent product recalls. Consumers have legal rights, and product recalls help ensure that those rights are protected.
If you have purchased an unsafe or defective product, it is important to report your claim with one of the above agencies. Your report could initiate a product recall that could help others. You may also wish to consult with a qualified consumer fraud attorney who can help you understand your legal rights. Contact us to speak with one of our experienced consumer advocates.
