Many consumers are finding it increasingly difficult to buy with confidence due to the increasing frequency ofrecall1 product and food recalls. From lead paint in toys to contaminated meat, it seems nothing is considered safe anymore. How can consumers already struggling to get the most value for their dollar avoid putting their family at risk? Knowledge is power and in this case, knowing what items are recalled and who is at risk could be the single most effective way to keep your family safe.

What is a product recall?

When a company or manufacturer issues a product recall, they are basically altering the public to possible safety issues found in the recalled product. When an item is recalled, the maker first has to notify the public and other authorities as to the nature of the recall. This included providing serial or batch numbers of the product as well as establishing lines of communication for consumers to learn more about the particular safety issues suspected. Once the word is out, consumers are advised to return recalled products for a refund or replacement. Retailers are required to remove recalled items from their stock to prevent unsuspecting consumers from buying the items.

Tips To Keep Your Family Safe.

Your best defense to avoid using recalled products is by paying attention to product recalls. The following tips can help you avoid using or buying recalled products.

  • Pay attention. With so many recalls happening these days it is possible to begin to “tune out” the information. Just because you have never had a problem with recalled items, that does not mean you don’t have something that is potentially dangerous sitting in your garage or pantry. Whenever you hear about a recall, take the time to go through your household items to ensure you are not exposing your family to unsafe products. Recalls are often issued years after the product hit the shelves, therefore you may not remember making the purchase yet the danger is still there.
  • Use caution when buying second hand items. Yard sales and consignment stores are a great way to find good deals and are becoming increasingly popular as consumers try to save more money. Pay special attention to the products you buy (or bought) second hand as the seller may have been unaware of the recall at the time of purchase.
  • Discard recalled items properly. It is not only important to keep recalled items out of your home, but the homes of others as well. Do your part and make sure that any item that you have that has been recalled is returned to the manufacturer for proper disposal. It is not uncommon for consumers to simply throw away a recalled item versus going through the process of getting a refund or replacement. Doing this increases the chances that someone else might end up with the recalled product, in turn putting another family at risk. Do not sell or give recalled products away.

While it is costly and sometimes damaging to the company that issues a recall, the purpose is to prevent injury or death from using potentially dangerous products. You can stay atop product recalls by visiting consumer or government websites that provide up to date information on product safety.