Product recalls are requests to return a batch or a whole production run of defective products. This is usually done for safety issues.
Aside from safety issues, a product recall can also be requested because of defects that diminish the product’s functionality or because of inadequate documentation of the said product.
There are various government agencies handling product recalls depending on the product.
Those are:
• US Coast Guard – Marine vessels and related products (boats, watercrafts, life jackets, etc.)
• Consumer Product Commission (CPSC) – Consumer products (household items, toys, bicycles, off-road vehicles, etc.)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Anything potentially dangerous to the environment (pesticides, fertilizers, etc.)
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Aircraft and related products
• Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) – Foods, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, health products
• National Highway Traffic and Safety Commission (NHTSA) – Road vehicles and related products (cars, trucks, motorcycles, vans, tires, helmets, children safety seats.
However, majority of product recalls are initiated by the manufacturing company themselves, once they find that there is an issue.
Recalls are done by manufacturers to avoid or limit liabilities for corporate negligence and to avoid or lessen damages to its reputation.
Product recalls are pretty costly for a company. It often entails replacing the recalled product or issuing a full refund to the consumers. They would also have to pay for damages caused before the product recall.
However, those are costs manufacturers are willing to pay rather than getting a major hit on their image and reputation.
Product recalls generally go through these steps:
• A defect may be discovered by consumers and report it to the manufacturers or the appropriate government agency that handles product investigation and recalls of that product.
• Once a defect that could affect safety has been detected, the makers or dealers notify the appropriate authorities of their intention to recall a product. The reverse may also happen, where the government agency requires the manufacturer to recall its defective products.
• Consumer hotlines and other communication channels are then established. The scope of the recall, and the serial and batch numbers of the products to be recalled are also specified.
• Announcements of the product recall are then made. It is usually posted on the respective government agency’s website. Paid television, radio and television ads may also be released about the product recall.
• Consumer groups will also help in informing the public once they learn of the product recall.
• Compensation for the returned defective product may vary depending on the certain laws and the reason for the product recall.
All consumers are advised to return the product even if they do not find any defects on it. The defect may not be apparent now but it may put your life in danger in the future.
If you have been injured as a result of a defective product, you should notify the appropriate government agency so that an investigation about the product can be made and a product recall request can be made if necessary.
You should also consult with a product recall attorney to help you in pursuing damages from the manufacturing company under the product liability law.
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