Demanding Product Safety

• Recalls are an important part of consumer safety, but unfortunately some recalled products aren’t ever returned, fixed, or thrown away by their owners. For example, about one of every four recalled vehicles on US roads right now hasn’t been repaired. Part of this can be explained by the fact that many people don’t hear about a recall when it happens or don’t know what to do when there is one. Others didn’t own the products when they were recalled—and it makes sense that people don’t retain recall information that doesn’t, at least at the time, apply to them.This chapter focuses a good deal on the safety of children. It’s critical for parents and guardians to always check the recall status of products they purchase for their young ones. But it’s also important for all consumers to know what some of the most commonly recalled products are, including child safety seats, cosmetics, toys, and vehicles. Check for a recall before you buy such products, especially if you’re buying used.Some government sites that will help:
  • Recalls.gov: Lists of recalls from federal agencies (This is the best spot to check for recalls of infant sleepers, loungers, and other products. You can even sign up for email alerts.)
  • Safercar.gov: Safety information on vehicles and their equipment, including child car seats
  • FSIS.USDA.gov and FoodSafety.gov: For listings of many, though not all, food recalls
  • FDA.gov: For recalls of food, medicine, pet items, and other products
  • In addition, be sure to register your new purchase with the manufacturer, so there’s a way for the company to communicate with you. You can look at Consumer Reports articles for recent recall information and even take advantage of our Car Recall Tracker at CR.org/CarRecallTracker. Just enter your car’s data, and you’ll be alerted of any recalls. We also offer a Food Recall Tracker at CR.org/FoodRecallTracker.

As you read in the chapter, sometimes the only reason the public learns about dangerous products is because individuals have stepped up and reported incidents. But often people don’t know what to do when they witness a safety concern.

The first place to report any potentially risky product is to the federal government. There are multiple websites you can turn to, including:

• FoodSafety.gov: For unsafe food products, including pet food and restaurant food
• NHTSA.gov/report-a-safety-problem: For defective vehicles and accessories
• SaferProducts.gov: For more general consumer products

Once you tell the federal government about a concern, you should also let Consumer Reports know by visiting our website, CR.org, and clicking either Report a Safety Problem or Give a Confidential News Tip. I recognize that this is another step for you to take, but know that it will help us investigate concerns, report trends, and fight for consumers across the country. Working together, we can help save lives.