Product recall
Encyclopedia
A product recall is a request to return
to the maker a batch or an entire production run of a product, usually due to the discovery of safety issues. The recall is an effort to limit liability for corporate negligence
(which can cause costly legal penalties) and to improve or avoid damage to publicity
. Recalls are costly to a company because they often entail replacing the recalled product or paying for damage caused by use, although possibly less costly than consequential costs caused by damage to brand name and reduced trust in the manufacturer.
A country's consumer protection
laws will have specific requirements in regard to product recalls. Such regulations may include how much of the cost the maker will have to bear, situations in which a recall is compulsory (usually because the risk is big enough), or penalties for failure to recall. The firm may also initiate a recall voluntarily, perhaps subject to the same regulations as if the recall were compulsory. In the case of a compulsory recall, consumers who fail to dispose of it or return it to the manufacturer for replacement or refund could be fined for as much as $5000.
Australian Product Recall Authority and listing of Australian recalls can be found at:
www.recalls.gov.au
Returning
In retail, returning is the process of a customer taking previously purchased merchandise back to the retailer, and in turn, receiving a cash refund, exchange for another item , or a store credit...
to the maker a batch or an entire production run of a product, usually due to the discovery of safety issues. The recall is an effort to limit liability for corporate negligence
Negligence
Negligence is a failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in like circumstances. The area of tort law known as negligence involves harm caused by carelessness, not intentional harm.According to Jay M...
(which can cause costly legal penalties) and to improve or avoid damage to publicity
Publicity
Publicity is the deliberate attempt to manage the public's perception of a subject. The subjects of publicity include people , goods and services, organizations of all kinds, and works of art or entertainment.From a marketing perspective, publicity is one component of promotion which is one...
. Recalls are costly to a company because they often entail replacing the recalled product or paying for damage caused by use, although possibly less costly than consequential costs caused by damage to brand name and reduced trust in the manufacturer.
A country's consumer protection
Consumer protection
Consumer protection laws designed to ensure fair trade competition and the free flow of truthful information in the marketplace. The laws are designed to prevent businesses that engage in fraud or specified unfair practices from gaining an advantage over competitors and may provide additional...
laws will have specific requirements in regard to product recalls. Such regulations may include how much of the cost the maker will have to bear, situations in which a recall is compulsory (usually because the risk is big enough), or penalties for failure to recall. The firm may also initiate a recall voluntarily, perhaps subject to the same regulations as if the recall were compulsory. In the case of a compulsory recall, consumers who fail to dispose of it or return it to the manufacturer for replacement or refund could be fined for as much as $5000.
General steps to a product recall
A product recall usually involves the following steps, which may differ according to local laws:- Maker or dealer notifies the authorities responsible of their intention to recall a product. Consumer hotlineHotlineIn telecommunication, a hotline is a point-to-point communications link in which a call is automatically directed to the preselected destination without any additional action by the user when the end instrument goes off-hook...
s or other communication channels are established. The scope of the recall, that is, which serial numbers or batch numbers etc. are recalled, is often specified. - Product recall announcements are released on the respective government agency's websiteWebsiteA website, also written as Web site, web site, or simply site, is a collection of related web pages containing images, videos or other digital assets. A website is hosted on at least one web server, accessible via a network such as the Internet or a private local area network through an Internet...
(if applicable), as well as in paid notices in the metropolitan daily newspaperNewspaperA newspaper is a scheduled publication containing news of current events, informative articles, diverse features and advertising. It usually is printed on relatively inexpensive, low-grade paper such as newsprint. By 2007, there were 6580 daily newspapers in the world selling 395 million copies a...
s. In some circumstances, heightened publicity will also result in news television reports advising of the recall. - When a consumer group learns of a recall it will also notify the public by various means.
- Typically, the consumer is advised to return the goods, regardless of condition, to the seller for a full refund or modification.
- Avenues for possible consumer compensation will vary depending on the specific laws governing consumer trade protection and the cause of recall.
Highlights of major product recalls (1959-2011)
1959
- USA 1959-60 Cadillacs. "steering linkage (pitman arm) failed on many cars while making a 90 degree turn at 10 to 15 mi/h; that the arms were made of metal somewhat softer than that usually employed to withstand the stresses of low-speed turns; and that General MotorsGeneral MotorsGeneral Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
had sold six times as many pitman arm replacement units during those years than during the preceding and succeeding years." pg 150 the struggle for Auto safety Chapter titled: regulation as Recalls
1986
- USA (1986): 1986 Excedrin Tampering A few bottles of Excedrin were poisoned with cyanideCyanideA cyanide is a chemical compound that contains the cyano group, -C≡N, which consists of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom. Cyanides most commonly refer to salts of the anion CN−. Most cyanides are highly toxic....
. 2 people died, and 1 recovered in the hospital alive. A woman named Stella NickellStella NickellStella Maudine Nickell is a Seattle-area woman who was sentenced to 90 years in prison for product tampering after she allegedly poisoned Excedrin capsules with lethal cyanide, which resulted in the deaths of her husband Bruce and of Susan Chapman Snow...
was charged with product tampering, attempted murder and murder. She was sentenced to 90 years in prison, she might have her parole hearing sometime in the future.
1994
- Worldwide (1994) : Intel recalled the original PentiumP5 (microarchitecture)The original Pentium microprocessor was introduced on March 22, 1993. Its microarchitecture, deemed P5, was Intel's fifth-generation and first superscalar x86 microarchitecture. As a direct extension of the 80486 architecture, it included dual integer pipelines, a faster FPU, wider data bus,...
processors due to the Pentium FDIV bugPentium FDIV bugThe Pentium FDIV bug was a bug in the Intel P5 Pentium floating point unit . Certain floating point division operations performed with these processors would produce incorrect results...
.
2000
- USA (Early 2000): Burger KingBurger KingBurger King, often abbreviated as BK, is a global chain of hamburger fast food restaurants headquartered in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. The company began in 1953 as Insta-Burger King, a Jacksonville, Florida-based restaurant chain...
organizes a recallBurger King Pokémon container recallBurger King and the Consumer Product Safety Commission held a recall effort in 1999 and 2000 to recall plastic containers resembling Poké Balls in the United States after it was determined they presented a suffocation hazard...
of 25 million plastic container toys resembling Poke Balls as they present a suffocation hazard. - USA (May 2000): Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor CompanyFord Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
's handling of the recall of the 6.5 million 15-inch FirestoneFirestone Tire and Rubber CompanyThe Firestone Tire and Rubber Company is an American tire company founded by Harvey Firestone in 1900 to supply pneumatic tires for wagons, buggies, and other forms of wheeled transportation common in the era. Firestone soon saw the huge potential for marketing tires for automobiles. The company...
tires fitted to the Ford ExplorerFord ExplorerThe Ford Explorer is a sport-utility vehicle sold in North America and built by the Ford Motor Company since 1990, as a replacement for the smaller but related Ford Bronco II. It is manufactured in Chicago, Illinois...
SUVSport utility vehicleA sport utility vehicle is a generic marketing term for a vehicle similar to a station wagon, but built on a light-truck chassis. It is usually equipped with four-wheel drive for on- or off-road ability, and with some pretension or ability to be used as an off-road vehicle. Not all four-wheel...
. This soon culminated in the resignation of Ford's CEO at the time, Jacques NasserJacques NasserJacques Nasser is a leading global business executive who currently serves as Chairman of the Board of BHP Billiton. After serving as a Director of BHP Billiton Limited and BHP Billiton Plc since 2006, Mr. Nasser was appointed Chairman of both companies effective 31 March 2010...
. (See Firestone vs Ford Motor Company controversy.)
2003
- AustraliaAustraliaAustralia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
(April 2003): The recall of a variety of goods manufactured by Pan Pharmaceuticals as a result of failures in quality assurance and standards. The company was soon put under receivershipReceivershipIn law, receivership is the situation in which an institution or enterprise is being held by a receiver, a person "placed in the custodial responsibility for the property of others, including tangible and intangible assets and rights." The receivership remedy is an equitable remedy that emerged in...
. http://www.tga.gov.au/recalls/2003/pan.htm
2005
- United KingdomUnited KingdomThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and CanadaCanadaCanada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
(February 2005): Potentially carcinogenic Sudan ISudan ISudan I , is a lysochrome, a diazo-conjugate dye with the chemical formula of 1-phenylazo-2-naphthol. Sudan I is a powdered substance with an orange-red appearance. The additive is mainly used to colour waxes, oils, petrol, solvents and polishes...
food colouring was found in over 400 products containing Worcester sauce and had to be recalled. - Worldwide:June 2005: Engine stalls linked to faulty wirings on 6.0L Powerstroke DieselFord Power Stroke enginePower Stroke is the name given to the diesel engines found in Ford Super Duty trucks, Ford Excursion SUVs, Ford Econoline vans, and Ford LCF commercial vehicles. Production by Navistar International Corporation for Ford Motor Company began in mid 1994, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Huntsville,...
engines have caused hundreds of thousands of 2004-2005 Ford Super DutyFord Super DutyFor the 1999 model year, Ford shifted the F-250 and F-350 truck lines to a design mechanically and cosmetically distinct from that of the F-150. The F-350 was not available for 1998, while the F-250 was available that year with the F-150's body...
, ExcursionFord ExcursionThe Ford Excursion is a full-size sport utility vehicle that was produced by the Ford Motor Company between model years 2000 and 2005 . Based on the Super Duty pickup truck platform, it served as Ford's largest SUV in its lineup during the tenure of its production and mainly competed against the...
, and Econoline models to be recalled.
2006
- IrelandRepublic of IrelandIreland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
and United KingdomUnited KingdomThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
(24 June 2006): Cadbury-Schweppes announced that there has been a salmonella scare in their products, causing millions of chocolate bars from stores across Ireland and the UK to be recalled. - 2006 SonySony, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
notebook computer batteries recall:- Worldwide:August 2006: DellDellDell, Inc. is an American multinational information technology corporation based in 1 Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas, United States, that develops, sells and supports computers and related products and services. Bearing the name of its founder, Michael Dell, the company is one of the largest...
recalls over four million notebook computer batteries, after a number of instances where the batteries, made by SonySony, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
, overheated or caught fire. Most of the defective notebooks were sold in the US, however some one million faulty batteries could be found elsewhere in the world. - August 2006: Following DellDellDell, Inc. is an American multinational information technology corporation based in 1 Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas, United States, that develops, sells and supports computers and related products and services. Bearing the name of its founder, Michael Dell, the company is one of the largest...
's battery recall Apple ComputerApple ComputerApple Inc. is an American multinational corporation that designs and markets consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computers. The company's best-known hardware products include the Macintosh line of computers, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad...
also recalls 1.8 million Sony notebook computer batteries. Similar to Dell, most of the notebooks were sold in the United StatesUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. However some 700,000 units could be found overseas. - September 2006: Matsushita (PanasonicPanasonicPanasonic is an international brand name for Japanese electric products manufacturer Panasonic Corporation, which was formerly known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd...
) recalls 6,000 batteries. - September 2006: ToshibaToshibais a multinational electronics and electrical equipment corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is a diversified manufacturer and marketer of electrical products, spanning information & communications equipment and systems, Internet-based solutions and services, electronic components and...
recalls 340,000 batteries. - September 2006: IBMIBMInternational Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
/Lenovo recalls 500,000 batteries. - October 2006: HitachiHitachi, Ltd.is a Japanese multinational conglomerate headquartered in Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. The company is the parent of the Hitachi Group as part of the larger DKB Group companies...
recalls 16,000 batteries. - October 2006: FujitsuFujitsuis a Japanese multinational information technology equipment and services company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is the world's third-largest IT services provider measured by revenues....
recalls 338,000 batteries. - October 2006: SharpSharp Corporationis a Japanese multinational corporation that designs and manufactures electronic products. Headquartered in Abeno-ku, Osaka, Japan, Sharp employs more than 55,580 people worldwide as of June 2011. The company was founded in September 1912 and takes its name from one of its founder's first...
recalls 28,000 batteries.
- Worldwide:August 2006: Dell
2007
- February 2007: Lenovo and SanyoSanyois a major electronics company and member of the Fortune 500 whose headquarters is located in Moriguchi, Osaka prefecture, Japan. Sanyo targets the middle of the market and has over 230 Subsidiaries and Affiliates....
recalls 200,000 batteries. - North America: March 2007: Menu FoodsMenu FoodsMenu Foods Limited, based in Streetsville in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, and was the largest maker of wet cat and dog food in North America, with its products sold under 95 brand names, which the company identifies as supermarkets, big box and pet product retailers and wholesalers...
and several other companies issue numerous pet food recalls2007 pet food recallsThe 2007 pet food recalls comprise the contamination and wide recall of many brands of cat and dog foods beginning in March 2007, and the ensuing developments involving the human food supply. The recalls in North America, Europe, and South Africa came in response to reports of renal failure in pets...
. - USA:March 2007: Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor CompanyFord Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
recalls new 2008 Super DutyFord Super DutyFor the 1999 model year, Ford shifted the F-250 and F-350 truck lines to a design mechanically and cosmetically distinct from that of the F-150. The F-350 was not available for 1998, while the F-250 was available that year with the F-150's body...
after reported tailpipe fires in the diesel version. - USA:April 2007: Nestle voluntarily recalled its "Caramel Kit Kat Chunky" bars and "KitKat Cookie Dough Chocolate" bars due to some bits of hard plastic being found in the chocolate.
- USA:June 2007: Foreign Tire Sales Inc. recalls tires imported from Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co., of Hangzhou, China. The tires were not made to safety standards to prevent tread separation, a problem that led to the nation's largest tire recall in 2000 by Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor CompanyFord Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
. Foreign Tire Sales Inc., was unable to comply with the recall since it has about 6 employees and doesn't have money to pay for a recall. Further, Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber doesn't have accountability for a recall since the company is based solely in China and sells in the US through third-party re-sellers. - Worldwide:June 2007: The Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway toys were recalled due to risks of Lead PoisoningLead poisoningLead poisoning is a medical condition caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems...
from the Lead PaintLead paintLead paint or lead-based paint is paint containing lead, a heavy metal, that is used as pigment, with lead chromate and lead carbonate being the most common. Lead is also added to paint to speed drying, increase durability, retain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture that causes corrosion...
. - USA:July 13, 2007: GerberGerber Products CompanyGerber Products Company is a purveyor of baby food and baby products. A former American-owned company, Gerber is now a subsidiary of Nestlé, and is currently located in Fremont, Michigan, USA.-History:...
recalled Organic Rice CerealRice cerealRice cereal is a common baby food product in the United States.- In stores :The primary ingredient of all rice cereal is rice.Most commercially available rice cereals in the US contain extracted ingredients that a naturally breastfed baby may find to be a shock to the system, such as soy oil,...
and Organic Oatmeal Cereal after a Tampa, Florida parent, Richard Andree, found approximately 30 hard chunks, some of which were a ½ inch long in the product. - Worldwide:August 14, 2007: NokiaNokiaNokia Corporation is a Finnish multinational communications corporation that is headquartered in Keilaniemi, Espoo, a city neighbouring Finland's capital Helsinki...
recalled 46 Million BL-5C batteries after a primary investigation which revealed faulty manufactured batteries by Matsushita Electric Corporation which could explode after short circuit - USA:August 30, 2007: Some organic chocolates made in China recalled because there were worms inside the chocolate.
- USA:In October 2007 ground beef from the Topps Meat CompanyTopps Meat CompanyTopps Meat Company was a privately owned family company founded in 1940 by Benjamin Sachs in Manhattan, New York. The company later relocated to Elizabeth, New Jersey....
of Elizabeth, New JerseyElizabeth, New JerseyElizabeth is a city in Union County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 124,969, retaining its ranking as New Jersey's fourth largest city with an increase of 4,401 residents from its 2000 Census population of 120,568...
was recalled. , it is the second-largest beef recall in United States history. - Worldwide:September 2007: Honda Motor Company recalled 182,756 2006-2007 Honda Civic sedans and coupes for wheel bearings
- Worldwide:October 2007: Alltrade Tools recalls over 800,000 power tool chargers.
- USA:In October 2007 several U.S. Pharmaceutical companies voluntarily recalled several infant coughCough medicineA cough medicine is a medicinal drug used in an attempt to treat coughing and related conditions. For dry coughs, treatment with cough suppressants may be attempted to suppress the body's urge to cough...
and cold medicines due to possible overdosing dangersDrug overdoseThe term drug overdose describes the ingestion or application of a drug or other substance in quantities greater than are recommended or generally practiced...
. - Worldwide:November 2007: A popular children's toy, BindeezBindeezBindeez are a children's toy that was awarded Australian "Toy of the Year" for 2007. Toy Wishes magazine named it as one of the products among its 12 best toys of 2007. It is manufactured in China for the Australian-owned company Moose Enterprise P/L, and distributed in North America by Spin...
(also known as Aqua Dots, in the United States), was recalled when it was discovered that 1,4-butanediol1,4-Butanediol1,4-Butanediol is the organic compound with the formula HOCH2CH2CH2CH2OH. This colorless viscous liquid is derived from butane by placement of alcohol groups at each end of the chain. It is one of four stable isomers of butanediol.-Synthesis:...
had been substituted for 1,5-pentanediol1,5-Pentanediol1,5-Pentanediol is the organic compound with the formula HOCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2OH. Like other diols, this viscous liquid is used as plasticizer and also forms polyesters that are used as emulsifying agents and resin intermediates...
in the bead manufacturing process. The human body metabolises the substance to form the anesthetic GHBGamma-Hydroxybutyric acidγ-Hydroxybutyric acid , also known as 4-hydroxybutanoic acid and sodium oxybate when used for medicinal purposes, is a naturally occurring substance found in the central nervous system, wine, beef, small citrus fruits, and almost all animals in small amounts. It is also categorized as an illegal...
. - USA:November 2007: Children's snow and sand castle kits by Paricon recalled due to sharp edges; sold exclusively at L.L Bean
- Worldwide:November 2007: About 175,000 Curious GeorgeCurious GeorgeCurious George is the protagonist of a series of popular children's books by the same name, written by Hans Augusto Rey and Margret Rey. The books feature a curious brown monkey named George, who is brought from his home in Africa by "The Man with The Yellow Hat" to live with him in a big city.When...
12-inch plush dollDollA doll is a model of a human being, often used as a toy for children. Dolls have traditionally been used in magic and religious rituals throughout the world, and traditional dolls made of materials like clay and wood are found in the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe. The earliest documented dolls...
s with plastic faces were recalled due to the risk of lead exposure and poisoningLead poisoningLead poisoning is a medical condition caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems...
.
2008
- February 2008: The USDA recalls 143 million pounds of processed frozen beef from the Westland/Hallmark processor in Southern California due to cattle not being inspected before slaughter. There was little chance of any illness in the cattle. It was the largest recall of beef in US history.
- April 2008: Malt-O-MealMalt-O-MealThe Malt-O-Meal Company is a privately owned American corporation that produces breakfast cereals. Its corporate headquarters are in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It employs 1,400 people and had estimated sales in 2008 of $548 million.-History:...
voluntarily recalls its Puffed RicePuffed ricePuffed rice is a type of puffed grain made from rice; usually made by heating rice kernels under high pressure in the presence of steam, though the method of manufacture varies widely.-Origin:Pori has been mentioned in various Tamil...
and Puffed Wheat cold cereal products due to the salmonellaSalmonellaSalmonella is a genus of rod-shaped, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, predominantly motile enterobacteria with diameters around 0.7 to 1.5 µm, lengths from 2 to 5 µm, and flagella which grade in all directions . They are chemoorganotrophs, obtaining their energy from oxidation and reduction...
contamination on cereals. - 1 April 2008: Malaysia's first nationwide automotive recall is done upon the Proton SavvyProton SavvyThe Proton Savvy is a supermini hatchback produced by Malaysian car manufacturer Proton. The car was introduced in June 2005 as a successor to Proton Tiara.- History :...
's rear wheel bearingBearing (mechanical)A bearing is a device to allow constrained relative motion between two or more parts, typically rotation or linear movement. Bearings may be classified broadly according to the motions they allow and according to their principle of operation as well as by the directions of applied loads they can...
, as there were part defects discovered during random checks. - August 2008: Maple Leaf FoodsMaple Leaf FoodsMaple Leaf Foods Inc. is a major Canadian food processing company, founded in 1927 as a merger of several major Toronto meat packers.-History:The company was originally known as Canada Packers...
voluntarily recalled a number of meat and deli products after an outbreak of listeriosis2008 Canadian listeriosis outbreakThe 2008 Canadian listeriosis outbreak was a widespread outbreak of listeriosis in Canada linked to cold cuts from a Maple Leaf Foods plant in Toronto, Ontario. 22 people died and there were 57 total confirmed cases.-Origin and spread:...
. Four elderly people have died as a result. Affected restaurants include McDonald's and Mr. Sub. - September 2008: 440,000 SonySony, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
VAIOVAIOVAIO is a sub-brand used for many of Sony's computer products. Originally an acronym of Video Audio Integrated Operation, this was amended to Visual Audio Intelligent Organizer in 2008 to celebrate the brand's 10th anniversary...
type T TZ series due to excessive heat production, produced in May 2007 - July 2008 had to be recalled.
2009
- January - Peanut Corporation of AmericaPeanut Corporation of AmericaPeanut Corporation of America was a peanut-processing business founded in 1977 and headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia. The company was forced out of business after being found to be the source of a massive salmonella outbreak in the United States during 2008 and 2009.PCA operated processing...
recalled its bulk peanut butterPeanut butterPeanut butter is a food paste made primarily from ground dry roasted peanuts, popular in North America, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and parts of Asia, particularly the Philippines and Indonesia. It is mainly used as a sandwich spread, sometimes in combination as in the peanut butter and jelly...
and peanut paste products for salmonella contamination. Because of the myriad of consumer items PCA's bulk products went into, the Food and Drug AdministrationFood and Drug AdministrationThe Food and Drug Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, one of the United States federal executive departments...
eventually recalled 3913 different products from at least 361 companies. It is one of the most extensive food recalls in US history. - March - Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, CaliforniaTerra Bella, CaliforniaTerra Bella is a census-designated place in Tulare County, California, United States. The population was 3,310 at the 2010 census, down from 3,466 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Terra Bella is located at ....
recalled its entire 2008 crop of pistachioPistachioThe pistachio, Pistacia vera in the Anacardiaceae family, is a small tree originally from Persia , which now can also be found in regions of Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Sicily and possibly Afghanistan , as well as in the United States,...
s due to salmonella contamination. - June - 300,000 packages of Nestle's Toll House cookie doughChocolate chip cookieA chocolate chip cookie is a drop cookie that originated in the United States and features chocolate chips as its distinguishing ingredient. The traditional recipe combines a dough composed of butter and both brown and white sugar with semi-sweet chocolate chips...
are recalled due to possible E. coli contamination that made several consumers sick, when the dough was eaten raw. - October - some Acer Aspire laptops recalled for overheating problems "Acer laptops here hit by recall" Straits Times
- December - virtually every Roman blind and roller shade on the market—around 50 million sets—were recalled because the cords pose a strangulation hazard to children. "50 Million Blinds Recalled Following Child Deaths" ABC News
2010
- January - Toyota recalls several million vehicles because of faulty acceleratorAccelerator- In computing :*Download accelerator, or download manager, software dedicated to downloading*Hardware acceleration, the use of dedicated hardware to perform functions faster than a CPU...
pedals that may cause runaway acceleration and faulty software that may cause braking to be delayed. - May - Johnson & JohnsonJohnson & JohnsonJohnson & Johnson is an American multinational pharmaceutical, medical devices and consumer packaged goods manufacturer founded in 1886. Its common stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the company is listed among the Fortune 500....
recalls 43 over-the-counter children's medicines made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, on April 30, 2010. - June - MaytagMaytagMaytag Corporation is an American home and commercial appliance company, headquartered in Newton, Iowa, that is a division of the Whirlpool Corporation.-Company history:...
recalls about 1.7 million dishwashers, including Maytag(r), Jenn-Air(r), Magic Chef(r), and several other brands due to the electrical failture and fire hazards. - June - Ikea recalled 3.36 million "roller" and "roman" shades due to strangulation hazards. "IKEA Recalls 3.36-million Roller, Roman, Roll-Up Shades and Blinds Due to Strangulation Hazards" US Recall News
- June - McDonalds recalled the Shrek Forever AfterShrek Forever AfterShrek Forever After, taglined as The Final Chapter, is a 2010 animated fantasy-comedy film, and the fourth and final installment in the Shrek film series, produced by DreamWorks Animation. The film was released by Paramount Pictures in cinemas on May 20, 2010 in Russia, and on May 21 in the United...
cups due to risks of cadmium poisoningCadmium poisoningCadmium is an extremely toxic metal commonly found in industrial workplaces. Due to its low permissible exposure limit, overexposures may occur even in situations where trace quantities of cadmium are found. Cadmium is used extensively in electroplating, although the nature of the operation does...
from the cups' paint. - June - Kellogg issued a voluntary recall of select packages of Kellogg's Corn Pops, Honey Smacks, Froot Loops and Apple Jacks cereals due to the odd smell. the cereals was reported was Stale, metal, wax, and soap like taste, the recall was identified a substance in the package liners that can produce an uncharacteristic waxy-like off taste and smell."Kellogg's Cereal Recall Due to Odd Smell" WebMD News
- August - 228 million eggs are voluntarily recalled by Wright County EggWright County EggWright County Egg , based in Galt, Iowa, is one of the top ten egg producers in the United States, with a flock of more than 15 million chickens...
of Galt, IowaGalt, IowaGalt is a city in Wright County, Iowa, United States. The population was 30 at the 2000 census.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 30 people, 15 households, and 12 families residing in the city. The population density was 55.8 people per square mile . There were 17 housing units at...
due to a potential salmonellaSalmonellaSalmonella is a genus of rod-shaped, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, predominantly motile enterobacteria with diameters around 0.7 to 1.5 µm, lengths from 2 to 5 µm, and flagella which grade in all directions . They are chemoorganotrophs, obtaining their energy from oxidation and reduction...
contamination. - September - Fisher Price recalls 10-million products, including enough toys to merit this as the largest toy recall in history "Annual Recall Roundup: Biggest Recalls of 2010" US Recall News
- September - SimilacSimilacSimilac is a brand of infant formula that was developed by Alfred Bosworth of Tufts University and marketed by Ross Laboratories....
Abbott Laboratories isssued the voluntarily recalling up to 5 million containers of Similac infant formula after finding beetles in the baby formula.
2011
- January - Nature's Promise Giant Food of Landover, Md. issued a voluntary recall of several Nature's Promise organic bagged salad items due to the potential for listeria contamination. there were reported a pregnant woman around in her 20s was rushed into the hospital after eating tainted salad. no deaths reported.
- February - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall 20,000 of Sniglar Cribs, distributed by IKEAIKEAIKEA is a privately held, international home products company that designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture such as beds and desks, appliances and home accessories. The company is the world's largest furniture retailer...
Home Furnishings due to the detach and collapse of the Mattress, creating a risk of entrapment and suffocation to a child in the crib. - February - HondaHondais a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
Motor Co issued a voluntary safety recall of 700,000 cars due to the failure. The spring was placed improperly in a small box inside the engine, so that, in some cases, the problem could cause the engine to stall. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this defect. - February - Study on Medical deviceMedical deviceA medical device is a product which is used for medical purposes in patients, in diagnosis, therapy or surgery . Whereas medicinal products achieve their principal action by pharmacological, metabolic or immunological means. Medical devices act by other means like physical, mechanical, thermal,...
recall by Dr. Diana ZuckermanDiana ZuckermanDiana M. Zuckerman is an expert on national health policy, particularly in women's health. She is the President of the National Research Center for Women & Families as well as the Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund.-Life and work:...
and Paul Brown of the National Research Center for Women and FamiliesNational Research Center for Women and FamiliesThe National Research Center for Women & Families is a Washington, DC-based non-profit organization founded in 1999. It uses objective, research-based information to encourage new, more effective programs and policies that promote the health and safety of women, children, and families. The...
, and Dr. Steven Nissen of the Cleveland ClinicCleveland ClinicThe Cleveland Clinic is a multispecialty academic medical center located in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. The Cleveland Clinic is currently regarded as one of the top 4 hospitals in the United States as rated by U.S. News & World Report...
, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, showed that most medical devices recalled in the last five years for “serious health problems or death” had been previously approved by the U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationFood and Drug AdministrationThe Food and Drug Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, one of the United States federal executive departments...
(FDA) using the less stringent, and cheaper, 501(k) process. - March - Toyota Motor Corp Issued a recall about 22,000 sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks due to the tire-deflation monitoring systems that can cause failure. No report cases of crashes or injuries.
- March - Dairy Crest has recalled one batch of its FRijj Thick and Fresh Strawberry Milkshake because it contains low levels of listeria.
- May - Nestle Philippines has recalled 2 batches of Maggi beef and chicken noodles after it was reported that it was contaminated with salmonella.
- August - The Chicago Tribune reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) says that the National Beef Packing Company has recalled about 60,424 pounds of ground beef products contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, which is the most well-known of the enteropathogenic strains of E. coli. It, like other strains of the bacteria related to it, has the potential to cause not only gastrointestinal distress and diarrhea but bloody, rapidly dehydrating watery diarrhea and potentially life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can progress to full acute (fulminating) kidney, or renal, failure and has a greater morbidity and mortality rate in vulnerable populations if not rapidly treated appropriately. No human cases or reports of illness have yet been found.
Australia
- Australian Competition and Consumer CommissionAustralian Competition and Consumer CommissionThe Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is an independent authority of the Australia government. It was established in 1995 with the amalgamation of the Australian Trade Practices Commission and the Prices Surveillance Authority to administer the Trade Practices Act 1974...
Australian Product Recall Authority and listing of Australian recalls can be found at:
www.recalls.gov.au
Canada
- Health CanadaHealth CanadaHealth Canada is the department of the government of Canada with responsibility for national public health.The current Minister of Health is Leona Aglukkaq, a Conservative Member of Parliament appointed to the position by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.-Branches, regions and agencies:Health Canada...
: Consumer products (Product Safety Bureau branch), pharmaceutical drugs, health supplements. - Canadian Food Inspection AgencyCanadian Food Inspection AgencyThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency is a science based regulatory agency that is dedicated to the safeguarding of food, animals, and plants, which enhance the health and well-being of Canada's people, environment and economy...
(CFIA): Food
Europe
- Unsafe Products - Product safety in the EU lists recalls relevant to citizens of Europe.
Germany
- The Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin (BAuA) has the responsibility for monitoring and processing product recalls of non-food items in GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
; - The Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (BfArM) is responsible for processing all pharmaceutical and medical device recalls and safety alerts in GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
; - produktrueckrufe.de publishes all product recalls and safety warnings which are relevant for German consumers.
- CleanKids Magazin publishes product recalls (toys, Babycare) and safety warnings which are relevant for German consumers.
- garanbo publishes product recalls which are relevant for German consumers.
- Deutschlandweite Rückrufnachrichten und Produktwarnungen Publishes recall news and product warnings for Germany.
Ireland
- The National Consumer AgencyNational consumer agencyThe National Consumer Agency is a statutory body that defends consumer interests in the Republic of Ireland.- Background :The NCA's origins can be traced to the setting up of the Consumer Strategy Group in March 2004....
(NCA) has the responsibility for monitoring and processing product recalls of non-food items in IrelandIrelandIreland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
.
United Kingdom
- The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory AgencyMedicines and Healthcare products Regulatory AgencyThe Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is the UK government agency which is responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work and are acceptably safe....
(MHRA) is responsible for processing all pharmaceutical and medical device recalls and safety alerts in the UK. - The Trading Standards InstituteTrading Standards InstituteThe Trading Standards Institute is the professional association which represents trading standards professionals in the UK and overseas.-History:...
(TSI) carries a list of published product recalls and safety warnings in the UK on its website. - The Vehicle and Operator Services AgencyVehicle and Operator Services AgencyVehicle and Operator Services Agency is a non-departmental public body granted Trading Fund status in the United Kingdom sponsored by the Department for Transport of the United Kingdom Government.-History:...
is the United Kingdom Government’s car recall agency.
United States
- US Coast Guard: Marine vehicles and related products (e.g. boats, personal watercraft, life jackets)
- Consumer Product Safety CommissionConsumer Product Safety CommissionThe United States Consumer Product Safety Commission is an independent agency of the United States government created in 1972 through the Consumer Product Safety Act to protect "against unreasonable risks of injuries associated with consumer products." The CPSC is an independent agency that does...
(CPSC): Consumer products (e.g. toys, household goods, bicycles, off-road vehicles, etc.) - Environmental Protection AgencyUnited States Environmental Protection AgencyThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
(EPA): Pesticides, fertilizers, and anything harmful to the environment - Federal Aviation AdministrationFederal Aviation AdministrationThe Federal Aviation Administration is the national aviation authority of the United States. An agency of the United States Department of Transportation, it has authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S...
(FAA): Aircraft - Food and Drug AdministrationFood and Drug AdministrationThe Food and Drug Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, one of the United States federal executive departments...
(FDA): Food, pharmaceutical drugs, health supplements, cosmetics. - United States Department of AgricultureUnited States Department of AgricultureThe United States Department of Agriculture is the United States federal executive department responsible for developing and executing U.S. federal government policy on farming, agriculture, and food...
(USDA): Meat, poultry, eggs. - National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, part of the Department of Transportation...
(NHTSA): On-road vehicles and related products (e.g. cars, trucks, vans, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, tires, motorcycle helmets, children's safety seats)