How to Find Product Recalls Notices

The Federal government has the responsibility for making sure the products that are sold are safe for the user. Sometimes a product is sold and then later it is discovered to be harmful in some way to the user. In these cases, the Federal government notifies consumers through a website which identifies product recalls.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Internet
• Products

1. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission monitors the safety of many consumer products such as appliances, clothing, household products, chilidren's products, sports, lighting, and electronics.

2. Log onto the website www.recalls.gov

3. Clicks on "Consumer Products" on the upper left side of the screen.

4. Then click on "Product Search" to look for a product recall. If you know the specifics of a product, clicks on "Product Description Search" instead.

5. You can also search for all product recalls from a specific company.

6. Scroll down until you find the product you are interested in. Then click to highlight the product. Then click on "find" to read specific product recall information. You will be able to see the name of the product, how many units are being recalled, what the hazard is, if there have been any injuries and specific descriptions and UPC codes for the products.

7. Most importantly, you will see a section called "Remedy" which tells you what the recommended course of action is concerning the recalled product. It may be recommended to stop using the item immediately and will give you information on where to take the item in order to get a refund for the recalled products.

Tips & Warnings

• There are also detailed color photographs for items so you can be sure you are identifying the correct product recalls
• If you have experienced a problem with a product and feel it needs to be recalled, you may go to the following website to report the hazardous product https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

[JoyNmyHeart]

on 10/12/2009 Thank you so much for this much needed article on finding product recall notices.

[esatchel]

on 10/11/2009 I am bookmarking this website immediately. It will be very helpful. It is amazing the number of products that are recalled. It is important to be made aware. Thank you.

[jswana]

on 10/9/2009 Years ago I was on a pain medication for an injury that was recalled - I found the info in the newspaper. We weren't so hi-tech in the 80's. But it saved my life and now, I hope that folks follow your excellent guidelines to stay informed. wonderful! jswana 5* and a recommendation.

[2besure]

on 8/5/2009 How important is this? You would be surprised how many products have been recalled.

[turtledove]

on 7/29/2009 I noticed that a department store I shop at posts recalls near its customer service/returns area. 5*