How to stay on top of product recalls
Every Louisiana citizen is subject to having a consumer product they have purchased being recalled. According to USA.gov, recalls are issued when a manufacturer discovers a problem with its product that could pose a risk to consumers. For example, this could be that a product was mislabeled or that it is defective. Consumers may be asked to return or exchange the item or to send for a repair kit. In some cases, consumers are alerted they should no longer use the product and provide instructions for obtaining a refund.
When products are recalled, the manufacturer issues a recall alert. Sometimes alerts are publicized through press releases that are shown on the news. Some companies will also place recall notices on their websites. There are also government agencies that stay on top of alerts and provide the information to consumers.
Recalls.gov is a government-sponsored website where consumers can check for recent recall alerts through six different agencies. These agencies include the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission, the United States Coast Guard, the Food and Drug Administration, the US Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Consumers can find information arranged by type of product. The categories include consumer products, motor vehicles, boats, food, environmental products, cosmetics and medicine. The site also features a search function and links to the most recent recall alerts. There is the option to sign up for email notices when recalls are put out. It is important to note that only federal recalls are included on the site.