What Happens During a Product Recall?

What Happens When a Company Recalls a Product? 

A product recall is the process of retrieving and replacing defective consumer goods. Companies are expected to submit their products to extensive testing to ensure they are safe to sell, but sometimes defective or patently unsafe products make it to the market. Recalls often result in damage to the company’s reputation and bottom line, so many attempt to avoid recalls at any lengths. Most may encourage the most intensive testing possible before the product hits the market, but in many large corporations that prioritize profit over safety, avoiding recalls may mean implementing some shady practices once a safety concern is raised.  

Identifying a Product Recall 

Product recalls can affect industries like food, medicine, electronics, and car manufacturers. When companies issue a product recall, they will typically absorb the cost of replacing or fixing the item. In some cases, the company will even reimburse consumers for the product as well. Identifying the products as defective or dangerous can be tricky, though. In some cases, the consumers will collectively complain of a defect, leading the company to issue a recall. Alternatively, the company can identify a defective product itself and recall it of their own volition. With enough complaints of dangerous or defective products, regulatory agencies can even order a company to recall a product. These regulatory agencies often have a database of recalls to keep consumer abreast of any dangerous items in their possession.  

How Do Product Recalls Occur?  

Since most of the world has moved to a global supply chain, products are being assembled in different locations around the world at an unprecedented rate. While one portion of an item is manufactured in India, the other portion may be produced in Mexico. Even after all that, they entire product may be assembled in Canada. Though it often keeps prices lower for consumers, this global supply chain can result in more frequent defects. Despite this global manufacturing process, the product is only required to meet regulations in the country in which it is sold. So, if a product has a defect that may pass in another country but does not under United States law, it would be recalled from U.S. markets. Luckily, there are many government agencies that test products and identify faulty ones before they reach the market. Some agencies include: 

• The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 

What to do During a Product Recall 

Recalls are not uncommon. In most cases, the company or manufacturer responsible for a recall will let the consumers know right away. They will also provide instructions if the product should be returned and provide general information about the recall. However, there are other ways to find out if something has been recalled. The FDA’s website contains a list that is updated daily of items that have been recalled.  

National Product Liability Attorneys 

We trust companies and manufacturers to make reliable and safe products for us to use daily. Unfortunately, defective products that can cause serious harm pass through the cracks far too often. Tens of thousands of Americans are injured or killed by defective products each year, and many companies attempt to save face and money by ignoring these complaints until it’s too late. The Product Liability team at McCune Law Group are not afraid to obtain justice for those injured by defective products. Our legal team will not rest until you are compensated for any injury you sustained due to a defective product.