How to Check for FDA Food Recalls

It can be quite scary when you hear that there has been a food recall on a product you have in your home. You want to get the specific information as soon as possible so that you don't accidentally serve the food to your friends and family. Here are some tips on how to verify food recalls.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look at the food in question in your fridge, cupboard or freezer. Notate the name of the product, the bar code number, where you purchased it, and any other pertinent information.
2. Contact the FDA and give the specific details about the food in question. FDA.gov constantly updates their lists of food recalls. Listed on their site are also phone numbers and regional offices you can call for specifics (see Resources below).
3. Ask for the entire parameters of the food that has been recalled. For instance, some tomatoes that were harvested a day after a contaminated batch are completely fine.
4. Return the food to the store where you purchased it. The store will also have a list of FDA food recalls which you can verify. They will give you store credit and return the food to the manufacturer.

Tips & Warnings

• There's a catchy little rhyme that will help you know what to do with the food. "If in doubt, throw it out."
• Local news stations often post food recalls on their websites. Simply go to the site for your local ABC, NBC or CBS affiliate to verify food recalls.
• Recalls.gov is another fantastic site which is constantly updated with food recalls.