From Wikipedia,
the free 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 damages
caused in use, albeit possibly
less costly than indirect cost
following damages 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.
Product defect awareness
Consumer organisations examine
products and warn the public of
possible defects that diminish a
product's functional value or
safety. On the other hand, a class
of
activists known as
muckrakers may use
grassroot tactics to bring
attention to corporate
transgressions, including writing
to newspapers and posting
information on product defects,
threatening the maker's publicity
if the faults are not put right. A
famous example is
Unsafe at Any Speed,
written by
Ralph Nader, which targeted
GM's
Chevrolet Corvair
sports car that had a faulty
rear
suspension causing frequent
skidding and occasional flipping.
Information on recalls?
Being aware of product recalls
is important for the safety of
anyone who comes in contact with
the product and perhaps for the
enjoyment of a product's full
value. Recalls are not always easy
to learn about, and companies do
not always publicize a recall in
an effort to limit the cost of
replacing the product.
Common Scources of Recall
Information
- Grocery Stores (listings)
- Mailings
- News (television/print)
- Internet, particulary
consumer groups' websites
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
hotlines 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
website (if applicable), as
well as in paid notices in the
metropolitan daily
newspapers. 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.
Commonly Recalled Products
- Things causing harm or
danger
- Other defects diminishing
functionality
- Inadequate documentation
(typically requires just
re-shipment of documentation
rather than a recall)
- Offensive Items (i.e
Confederate Flags, and
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas)
Infamous Instances of Product
Recalls
