Product Recalls - What to do if Your Appliance or Product has Been Recalled

Consumers need to be proactive when it comes to product or appliance safety and the first step is to ensure that when purchased, the product has been approved for use in your country. When products are designed and approved for a certain use, using that item improperly or not as intended, could create or increase the risk of hazard. However, even though a product or appliance was deemed safe to use and was used as intended, there can be problems that surface after the product has been marketed and is in use.

If your appliance or housewares product appears to be faulty or you detect a serious risk with the product, you should log a concern or complaint with your consumer protection agency. These agencies will act on consumer concerns and may initiate a product recall if warranted. Their concerns may also prompt the manufacturer to make positive product design changes - a good reason to log a complaint or product concern.

Appliances and products are recalled either by government or consumer protection agencies, or can also be voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer when a problem or serious risk has been detected. Should you hear news about a recall, you should try and obtain further details to see if your product is part of this recall.

What Should You do if You Think Your Product Has Been Recalled?

You could go directly to the manufacturer's website for more details, or to your consumer protection agency to learn about the recall. It's not unusual for a manufacturer to make several types of products or models and then sell them under various brand names. For this reason, should you hear about a certain manufacturer's recall - do not ignore it unless you are certain that their brands do not pertain to your appliance.

Once you've located the full recall details, compare the brand, model and serial number (if applicable) of your product to those recalled. Where to find brand, model and serial numbers on your product or appliance is often included in your product manual, but can also be found with recall information. The recall release usually also includes details as to where and when the products were sold.

If your product is included, carefully follow the instructions of the recall. In some cases when risk is serious, the consumer may be asked to stop using the product immediately. Recall registration or contact information will be supplied along with details on servicing or product replacement, whichever is applicable.

Where To find Product Recall Information

Confirming whether a product is included in a recall is the consumer's responsibility. If the hazard is serious in nature, you may possibly prevent injury or fire by discontinuing use of the appliance and following the manufacturer's recall instructions. Find your consumer protection agency and stay informed about product recalls:

• U.S. - Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or U.S. Product Recalls
  
• U.S. - Federal Trade Commission
  
• Canada - Consumer Product Safety (CPSR)
  
• Australia - Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
  
• Great Britain - Trading Standards Institute
• Find the product brand site from this manufacturer listing

Read More About Consumer Tips and Product Safety:

Make Product Safety a Priority
Appliance Safety and Avoiding Injury
Ready About Maytag Dishwasher Recall June 2010
10 Reasons to Read Your Product Manual
Major Appliances Resources, Buying Tips, Care
Small Appliances Resources, Reviews, Buying Tips, FAQ's
How to Handle Appliance Concerns
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