Watch Out for Product Recalls
 By Patrick L. Wynne

Each year, the United States government deems hundreds of vehicles and products dangerous enough to pull off the market. You’ll hear about major recalls—think Toyota—that make the headlines.

But what about the items that don’t get much media attention?

Unfortunately, there is no clear protocol for product recalls, and the system for handling them is complex and decentralized.

That means it’s up to you to stay informed so you’ll know what to do when something you use is no longer safe. Here are five tips that will help make that job easier.

1. Familiarize yourself with the system
Recalls fall under the jurisdiction of seven separate U.S. agencies. The two categories that are probably most relevant for consumer purposes are motor vehicles and consumer products.

To investigate motor vehicle recalls, go to www.safercar.gov and click Defects & Recalls.

To investigate consumer products, go to www.cpsc.gov and click Recalls & Product Safety News.

Alternatively, you can visit www.recalls.gov. This is a one-stop Web site with portals to all seven agencies. It also offers an e-mail subscription service that you can customize to your needs and interests.

2. Seek out secondary resources
The government’s Web sites are the most comprehensive resources for product recall information. But you might prefer the narrow scope of an agency that aligns with your lifestyle.

Parents magazine, for example, maintains a database for concerned parents navigating the wide world of children’s accessories and toys. Visit www.parents.com/product-recalls for more information.

People with food allergies can go to www.foodallergy.org and click Alerts to sign up for notifications tailored to their particular problem food.

3. Register your products
Many products, including most electronics, come with a warranty or registration card. Resist the urge to toss it. Instead set aside a few minutes to fill in your contact information. The best time to accomplish this is right after you make your purchase, so you don’t forget.

Feel free to skip all the marketing questions if you’re short on time and patience. Your goal is to help the manufacturer find you if the product is recalled.

4. Research secondhand purchases
Most major retailers are careful to pull merchandise that has been recalled. But secondhand purveyors like thrift stores, consignment shops and garage sales are generally less vigilant.

Be especially careful whenever you’re making a major purchase, such as a used car, or when you’re buying a type of product with evolving standards, such as cribs.

Most importantly, make sure the item you’re considering has identifying information such as manufacturer and model number. If time allows, do online research to find out if the product you’re considering has been recalled for any reason.

5. Refer to the original press release for next steps
When most manufacturers recall products, their first step is often issuing a press release. The release usually contains a list of product names, serial numbers, dates of manufacture and other information to help consumers accurately identify the product under recall.

When you hear about a recall that may affect you, go to the company’s Web site to find out what your next step should be. Or, refer to the Web site of the agency that issued the recall to find out how to go about getting a replacement, arranging a professional repair, or receiving a refund.

(Posted April 2010)

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