The recent recalls of millions of
Toyotas and
cribs highlight the importance of how defective products are reported and tracked. If you discover a defect in the car you drive, a product you own or the food you eat, it's a good idea to report it to the correct state or federal agency. Chances are other people are experiencing similar problems so reporting your experience can help government investigators uncover and address safety issues.
When you report a problem product, have as much information on hand as possible such as the VIN of your car, the packaging and UPC bar code of a consumer product or food, or the uneaten portion of any food that may have made you sick (refrigerate or freeze).
Here is a list of federal agencies and the products under their
jurisdiction. To check for recalls, go to the Web site of the individual agency or to
Recalls.gov.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration What: Cars, car seats, tires and vehicle equipment
Online form Call: (888) 327-4236
Consumer Product Safety Commission What: Consumer products (toys, baby products, grills and more)
Online form
Online form for drywall complaints Call: (800) 638-2772
E-mail: info@cpsc.gov
Food and Drug Administration What: Foods, medicines, cosmetics, and medical devices
Medical:
Online form for drugs regulated by the FDA
Non-meat food (cereal, fish, produce, nuts, cheese):
Call: (301) 443-1240 (emergency); (800) 535-4555 (non-emergency)
Or the consumer complaint
coordinator in your state.
Pet food:
Call: The consumer complaint
coordinator in your state.
Restaurant food:
Call: The
health department in your state.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention What: Foodborne illness
Call: (800) 232-4636)
And your
local health department.
USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service What: Meat, poultry or egg products
Call: (888) 674-6854
