Question

What does research say about consumer responsibility during recall situations? And, what's a consumer to do, when the manufacturer has no remedy?

Answer 1

A product recall is a request from a manufacturer to return a product after the discovery of safety issues or product defects that might endanger the consumer or put the maker/seller at risk of legal action. Product recalls are safety alerts issued by a manufacturer, importer or retailer. They can be issued on a voluntary or compulsory basis .

Consumers responsibilities during recall situation may include following:

1.Whenever product recall request is passed by suppliers/manufactures , consumers should Stop using the product immediately once they become aware of any safety defect/recall request.

2. When consumers become aware of a safety defect in a product it may be useful to get in contact with your supplier and see whether the product has passed safety standards. If you realise that a product has been recalled than you should stop buying it immediately.

3.If you injure yourself using a consumer product or become ill from consuming a foodstuff you should contact the seller/manufacturer of the product and notify them of the problem.

4.You can also contact other agencies responsible of country for the relevant area – such as Trading Standards, Electrical Safety First or the relevant local authority (in respect of alleged food poisoning), which can investigate.

When issued voluntarily, the manufacturer admits the product is potentially dangerous and that it may present a hazard to consumers. It will usually issue a recall notice to inform customers of the batch number, product code and model of the item concerned. In most cases, products will either have to be returned to the store or distributor, who will organise for the repair or replacement of the item.

When compulsory measures are taken by Trading Standards, which can include a recall or even a withdrawal from sale.

If manufactures don’t take a product back or allow it to be repaired following a recall and are subsequently injured by the fault that you were notified about, you will not be entitled to make a claim in relation to that injury. in such case consumers can contact helping agencies in related matter and issue notices to government authorities about loss incurred due to use of product and demand compensation and further safety measures.