A Parent’s Guide to Consumer Recalls

Recalls occur on products and goods for everything from cars to certain foods. While recalls are concerning no matter who they affect, it’s understandable that as a parent you’re especially nervous. After all, there have been repeated recalls in recent years Formula, cribs, stroller, dummy And Bassinetand some have even ended up in the Death of babies.

Despite all the attention recalls receive, you may not know exactly what it means that an item is being recalled and what next steps you need to take. Here’s everything you need to know, plus expert insight into why it’s so important to pay attention to recall notices.

What does a recall mean?

Basically, a recall means that a product contains something that may harm the user. Gina Posnera board-certified pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, tells Yahoo Life.

“A product recall is a request by a manufacturer to return a product that is associated with safety issues or product defects that could endanger consumers,” adds Dr. Kathleen Hardart, director of pediatrics at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester, added. “In some cases, the government may initiate a product recall.”

Typically, it is recommended that the recalled item be returned to the seller, regardless of its condition, for a full refund or change, says Hardart, noting that most recall notices for children’s products are issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). ).

“When a recall occurs, companies work with CPSC to eliminate known hazards with their products and remove them from consumers’ hands through a refund or free replacement product, or the company may offer a free repair,” said Patty Davis, Press Secretary Secretary of the CPSC tells Yahoo Life.

What different types of recalls are there?

Recalls are typically divided into one of three categories established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

• Class I: These recalls apply to products that can cause serious injury or death

• Class II: These recalls apply to products that could cause serious injury or temporary illness

• Class III: These recalls involve products that are not likely to cause injury or illness but violate FDA regulations

What can I do Before a callback to simplify the process?

It requires a little work on your part. “For any item that has a registration option, you should always submit it,” says Amy Watkins, director of Safe Children Connecticut, tells Yahoo Life. “This allows the manufacturer to contact you directly to let you know what the problem is and what you need to do in the event of a recall. Always fill out the form.”

However, buyers are typically not required to keep their receipts. “Occasionally you may need to provide proof of ownership, such as a photo,” says Watkins. “But people don’t typically keep receipts and it’s unrealistic to expect that they would.”

Something I purchased was recalled. What do I have to do now?

If you discover that an item you purchased (or gifted) has been recalled, it is important to follow the instructions for the specific recall. If the CPSC is involved – and it usually is – the organization will issue a recall notice with specific instructions on what to do next. This may include returning the item, throwing it away, or requesting a part that can safely use the product again, says Watkins.

My article seems fine. Do I have to get rid of it?

Yes. Experts say this is a big problem. “If something has been recalled, be sure to follow the recall instructions — there is a reason it was recalled,” Posner says. “You don’t remember things lightly.”

Posner quotes the once popular Fisher Price Rock ‘n Play Sofa Bed as an example. “It took a lot of babies dying at Rock ‘n Play for it to be recalled,” she says. “It’s not like a child died and they said, ‘Okay, we’ll remember this.'”

Hardart admits that it can be difficult to abandon a recalled item that you can rely on, especially if it seems fine to you. “Remember, even if you were lucky and didn’t experience the issue that led to the recall, you should not continue to use the recalled item,” she says. “Return the product and find an alternative that does not involve injury.”

Other memories

It’s common to purchase used baby products at flea markets, and it’s a great way to save money on kids’ gear. However, experts say it’s important to double-check that the item you’re interested in hasn’t been recalled.

“It is good practice when shopping at flea markets to check whether the items you want to purchase have been recalled Before They buy them,” Davis says. “If these items have been recalled, do not purchase them.” (You can either search for the product name and “recall” online or download the CPSCs Remembers the app to quickly search your database.)

Additionally, it can be difficult to keep track of all recalls. That’s why Watkins suggests a visit Safe children worldwide and sign up for their newsletter. “They regularly email you a list of all callbacks,” she says.

My item has not been recalled, but my child has a problem. What should I do to report it?

Recalls are made only after officials are made aware of the problem and investigate it. If you have a problem with an item your child used, Davis says it’s important to report it to the CPSC.

“Consumers may report to us safety incidents, injuries or deaths related to products under the CPSC’s jurisdiction www.SaferProducts.gov“, she says. Davis adds that consumers can also use the site to see if others have had problems with certain products. “Reporting to CPSC … is important and can help save lives.”

This article was published and updated on August 3, 2023.