Roger Hancock, CEO We remind you, InfoLink
Recalls happen quickly—often without much warning. Perhaps you saw a recall in the news, a friend sent you a link, or you noticed a sign in a store after purchasing a product. So how do you know which products have been recalled? What should you do if you think you have purchased or used a recalled product?
These are some of the most common questions consumers ask when trying to protect themselves and their families. The answers below are intended to clarify how a recall works, what action to take, and what to expect when a recall affects food you purchased or consumed.
How will I know about a food recall?
It depends. Some companies will contact you via email, phone or text message. Your supermarket may display signs. Some reviews make the news, while others don't. The FDA and USDA may post recall information on their websites.
How do you know why something is being recalled? Does it even matter
Recall notices must state the reason for the recall, and companies must be transparent about what happened. The reasons matter and can help consumers understand the risks they face. For example, products contaminated with a pathogen or containing undeclared allergens pose a greater health risk than strawberry ice cream that is not “pink” enough.
I heard about the recall but don't know if it will affect the product I purchased. What should I do?
Check the brand name, product size, UPC code, and expiration or best-by date listed on the recall notice and compare this information to the product you purchased. Look for the QR code on the packaging or visit the brand's website for more detailed information about the recall, including product IDs, affected geographic locations, etc. If you are still unsure, proceed with caution and do not eat the product.
I have already eaten the recalled product. What now?
Most recalls are made without any reports of illness, not because people have already gotten sick. Review the recall notice and see what risk is listed. If you feel sick, call your doctor and tell him what you ate. They will make recommendations on next steps.
A product that is still on the store shelf is subject to a recall. Should I say something?
Yes! Report this to the store manager or employee. Store employees may have mistakenly left an item on the shelves, the item may look similar to a recalled item but is not affected, or you learned about the recall before the store even knew about it. Speak up to help protect others.
I saw a review online. How do I know if it's real?
Check the source, visit the brand's website, or contact the brand directly. A review published by the USDA can be found Here. Reviews published by the FDA are available. Here.
Why do some memories seem so confusing or blurry?
Some companies are not very good at communicating messages to consumers. And since there is still no universal format for recall notices, each company decides for itself what constitutes “good” communication. Another reason is that recalls often evolve over time and include more products, geographic regions, and/or disease reports, so recall messages typically change as more information becomes available, recalls expand, etc. This is not an excuse for uncertainty in the initial message, but may help explain why additional information is added later.
Can I just rinse or cook the recalled food instead of throwing it away?
NO! Rinsing or cooking contaminated food does not guarantee its safety. Follow the recall instructions to throw away the recalled products or return them to the place of purchase.
Can I count on the recall company to keep me safe?
A recall is not a sign that the company is not keeping you safe, but poor communication. The recall actually demonstrates that the protections put in place to detect food safety violations are working as intended. While a recall alone does not make a brand untrustworthy, pay attention to how they handle the situation. Companies that are open about what happened and what will happen next are more trustworthy.
Last note
More and more companies are trying to improve the way they communicate with consumers during recalls. FDA recently published a letter about the need to modernize information interaction with consumers. Efforts are gaining momentum thanks to organizations such as STOP foodborne illnesses And Alliance of Review Ready Communitieswho are developing more effective templates and tools so companies can communicate more clearly and consistently. Until better systems are in place, the best thing consumers can do is stay informed, ask questions, and expect companies to take food safety seriously and communicate reminders.
