Food Recall What to Do: Your Step-by-Step Action Guide

You just heard about a food recall on the news, or maybe you spotted a notice taped to the shelf at your grocery store. Now you are standing in your kitchen wondering: is that product in my pantry? Is the bag of dog food in the garage affected? And most importantly, what exactly should you do right now?

Food recalls happen far more frequently than most people realize. The FDA issued over 1,400 food recalls in 2025 alone, covering everything from bagged salads and frozen meals to dry dog food and canned cat food. Whether the recall involves a product you feed your family or your pet, the steps you need to take are largely the same, and acting quickly matters. This guide walks you through exactly what to do when a food product in your home is recalled, step by step.

Step 1: Stop Using the Product Immediately

The moment you learn that a food product in your home may be recalled, stop using it. Do not eat it, do not serve it, and do not feed it to your pets. This applies even if the product looks, smells, and tastes completely normal.

Many food safety hazards are invisible. Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and E. coli contamination cannot be detected by appearance or odor. Undeclared allergens are impossible to identify without laboratory testing. A recalled product that seems perfectly fine can still cause serious illness or a life-threatening allergic reaction.

If you have already eaten or served the product, do not panic, but move to monitoring for symptoms, which is covered in Step 5 below.

For pet food recalls, remove the product from your pet's bowl and feeding area immediately. Wash the bowl thoroughly with hot soapy water. If you use an automatic feeder, empty and clean it. For more detailed guidance on handling pet food safety issues, see our comprehensive pet food recall guide.

Step 2: Verify That Your Specific Product Is Affected

Not every unit of a recalled product is necessarily covered by the recall. Recalls typically apply to specific lot numbers, production dates, UPC codes, or "best by" dates. Before you throw anything away, take a few minutes to confirm whether your exact product matches the recall.

Locate the Key Identifiers on Your Product

Gather the following information from the packaging:

• Brand and exact product name as printed on the label
• Lot number or batch code, usually stamped or printed near the UPC barcode, on the bottom of cans, or on the seal of bags
• UPC barcode number, the string of digits beneath the barcode
• "Best by," "use by," or expiration date
• Package size, since different sizes may come from different production facilities

Take a photo of all labels and codes. Having this information on your phone makes the verification process faster and ensures you have a record if you need it later for a refund or report.

Compare Against the Recall Notice

Search for the specific recall on RecallPedia by entering the brand name, product name, or keywords. The recall listing will include the affected lot numbers, date ranges, UPC codes, and distribution areas. Cross-reference your product against this information. If your lot number and dates match, your product is affected. If they do not match, your product is not covered by that specific recall, though it is still wise to stay alert for future notices. For a complete walkthrough of how to find and interpret recall information for any product, see our guide on how to check if a product is recalled.

Step 3: Secure the Product and Do Not Throw It Away Yet

Your first instinct may be to toss the recalled product in the trash. Resist that urge, at least for now. There are several reasons to keep it temporarily.

First, you may need the packaging and lot number to obtain a refund from the retailer or manufacturer. Second, if you or a family member develops symptoms of foodborne illness, having the product available for potential testing can be important. Third, the information on the packaging is needed if you file a report with the FDA.

Place the recalled product in a sealed plastic bag or container and store it somewhere away from other food, out of reach of children and pets. Label it clearly so no one in your household accidentally uses it. If the product is refrigerated or frozen, you can keep it in the refrigerator or freezer in a sealed bag, separated from other food.

Step 4: Contact the Store or Manufacturer for a Refund

You are entitled to a remedy when a product you purchased is recalled. In most cases, this means a full refund.

Returning to the Retailer

Most grocery stores and pet food retailers will accept returns of recalled products, often without requiring a receipt. Bring the product and your receipt if you have one. Major grocery chains typically have recall procedures in place, and customer service staff will process the return. Some stores also post recall notices in the store and proactively pull affected products from shelves.

Contacting the Manufacturer

If you no longer have the product or prefer not to return it in person, contact the manufacturer directly. The recall notice on RecallPedia or the FDA website will list the manufacturer's consumer hotline or website. Many manufacturers offer refunds by mail or provide prepaid shipping labels so you can send the product back. Some will issue a refund based on a photo of the product and lot number, without requiring you to ship anything.

Keep Records

Save your receipt, any correspondence with the retailer or manufacturer, and photos of the product. If you paid with a credit or debit card, your bank statement can serve as proof of purchase.

Step 5: Monitor for Symptoms of Illness

If you, a family member, or a pet consumed the recalled product before learning about the recall, watch closely for symptoms.

Symptoms of Foodborne Illness in Humans

Symptoms vary depending on the contaminant, but common signs of foodborne illness include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may appear within hours or take several days to develop. Abdominal cramps and fever are also common indicators. Listeria infections can take up to 70 days to manifest symptoms, making it important to note what you ate and when. In more serious cases, watch for bloody stool, dehydration, persistent fever above 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are severe, if the affected person is pregnant, elderly, a young child, or has a weakened immune system. These populations are at significantly higher risk of serious complications from foodborne pathogens.

Symptoms in Dogs and Cats

Pets cannot tell you they feel sick, so watch for behavioral changes. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or refusal to eat, lethargy and weakness, excessive thirst or urination, yellowing of the gums or eyes which can indicate liver damage, and seizures or tremors. Contact your veterinarian promptly if your pet shows any of these signs after eating a recalled product. Bring the product packaging with you to the appointment so the vet can identify the specific contaminant.

When to Seek Emergency Care

For humans, call 911 or go to an emergency room if you experience signs of anaphylaxis such as throat swelling and difficulty breathing, severe dehydration from persistent vomiting or diarrhea, high fever with confusion or disorientation, or bloody stool accompanied by abdominal pain. For pets, contact an emergency veterinary clinic if your animal has seizures, collapses, has difficulty breathing, or shows signs of severe dehydration.

Step 6: Report Illness or Problems to the FDA

Reporting is one of the most important steps you can take, and one that most consumers skip. Your report helps the FDA track the scope of a recall, identify patterns of illness, and take stronger enforcement action when needed.

How to Report a Human Food Issue

File a report through the FDA's MedWatch Safety Reporting Portal or the Safety Reporting Portal at safetyreporting.hhs.gov. Include the product name, brand, lot number, UPC code, where and when you purchased it, and a description of any symptoms experienced. You can file a report even if you did not get sick. Simply reporting that you had a recalled product in your home contributes to the FDA's data.

How to Report a Pet Food Issue

For pet food, file a report through the same FDA Safety Reporting Portal. You can also report through your veterinarian, who may submit a report on your behalf. The FDA tracks pet food adverse events separately and uses this data to monitor manufacturers and identify emerging safety problems.

Why Reporting Matters

The FDA relies heavily on consumer reports to gauge the real-world impact of a recall. Under-reporting is a well-documented problem. When fewer people report, the recall may appear less severe than it actually is, which can slow enforcement. Your report, even if it seems minor, helps protect other consumers and their pets.

Step 7: Dispose of the Product Safely

Once you have verified the recall, obtained your refund or been told you do not need to return the product, and filed any necessary reports, it is time to dispose of the recalled food safely.

Safe Disposal Methods

Do not simply toss recalled food into an open trash can where children, pets, or wildlife could access it. Place the product in a sealed, sturdy trash bag. If the recall involves a biological contaminant like Salmonella or Listeria, double-bag it. For pet food, make sure the disposal bag is placed in a bin with a secure lid, since dogs in particular are notorious for getting into the trash.

If you are disposing of a large quantity, such as a bulk bag of dog food, consider placing it directly in your outdoor waste bin rather than an indoor trash can. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the recalled product and clean any surfaces or containers it touched.

Do Not Donate Recalled Food

Never donate a recalled food product to a food bank, shelter, pet rescue, or any other organization. A recalled product is unsafe regardless of who consumes it. Donating recalled food could cause illness in vulnerable populations or animals.

Common Food Recall Scenarios and What to Do

Recall Due to Undeclared Allergens

Undeclared allergens are one of the most common reasons for food recalls. If the recall is for an allergen that no one in your household is allergic to, the product may technically be safe for your family to consume. However, the fact that the labeling was wrong suggests quality control failures at the manufacturer, which may indicate other problems. For a deeper look at why allergen-related recalls are so common and how to protect an allergen-sensitive household, read our guide on undeclared allergens in food recalls.

Recall Due to Bacterial Contamination

If the recall involves Salmonella, Listeria, or E. coli, do not consume the product under any circumstances, regardless of cooking instructions. While thorough cooking can kill some bacteria, toxins produced by certain bacteria may survive cooking. The risk is not worth taking.

Recall Due to Foreign Objects

Recalls for foreign objects such as metal fragments, plastic pieces, or glass involve a physical hazard. Stop using the product and inspect any remaining portions. If you or someone in your household has already consumed the product and experiences mouth pain, difficulty swallowing, or abdominal pain, seek medical attention.

Dog Food or Cat Food Recall

Pet food recalls follow the same general steps as human food recalls. Stop feeding, check the lot number, secure the product, contact the store, and monitor your pet. If you use an automatic feeder or have multiple bags of the same product, check every bag. Mixed bags from different lots can complicate things, so verify each one individually.

How to Stay Ahead of Future Recalls

The best approach to food recalls is not to react after the fact but to build habits that keep you informed before a recalled product causes harm.

Build a Recall-Checking Routine

Bookmark RecallPedia and check it weekly, especially before grocery shopping. Pay attention to the brands and products your household buys regularly. This takes less than five minutes and can prevent exposure to recalled products.

Save Your Receipts and Packaging

Keep grocery receipts for at least 30 days, and do not discard food packaging until the product is fully consumed. If a recall is announced for something you bought last week, having the lot number on hand lets you verify quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts

Subscribe to FDA recall alerts at fda.gov for food and pet food recall notifications. You can also sign up for alerts from your grocery store chain, as many major retailers notify loyalty program members directly when a recalled product was purchased.

Pay Extra Attention to High-Risk Categories

Certain food categories are recalled more frequently than others. Ready-to-eat deli meats, fresh produce, frozen meals, ground beef and poultry, soft cheeses, and pet foods made with meat byproducts all appear on recall lists regularly. If these items are staples in your household, stay especially vigilant.

Quick Reference Checklist

Use this checklist whenever you learn about a food recall that might affect your household:

• Stop using the product immediately
• Check the lot number, UPC, and best-by date against the recall notice
• Secure the product in a sealed bag away from other food, children, and pets
• Contact the retailer or manufacturer for a refund
• Monitor yourself, family members, and pets for symptoms
• Report any illness to the FDA through the Safety Reporting Portal
• Dispose of the product safely after obtaining a refund or completing a report
• Clean any surfaces, containers, or pet bowls that contacted the recalled product

Food recalls are a fact of modern life, but they do not have to catch you off guard. By acting quickly, verifying the details, and following through on reporting and disposal, you protect your family and your pets while contributing to a safer food supply for everyone. A few minutes of attention when a recall is announced can prevent days or weeks of illness.

For real-time food and pet food recall information, search RecallPedia or visit FDA.gov. If you are experiencing a medical emergency related to a food product, call 911 immediately.