What to Do If You Have a Recalled Product
Discovering a recalled product in your home can be alarming. Here's exactly what to do to protect yourself and your family.
First Things First: Don't Eat It
If you have a recalled product, the most important thing is:
Do NOT consume the product. Do NOT taste it to check if it's "okay."
Even if the product looks, smells, and tastes normal, it may contain harmful bacteria or undeclared allergens that can cause serious illness.
Step-by-Step Guide
Stop Using the Product
Immediately stop consuming or using the recalled product. If you've served it to others, inform them right away.
Check the Recall Details
Verify that your specific product is included in the recall by checking:
- Product name and brand
- UPC code (barcode number)
- Lot number or batch code
- Best by/Use by dates
Secure the Product
Keep the product separate from other food items to prevent cross-contamination. Place it in a sealed bag if possible. Don't throw it away yet if you want a refund.
Clean Contaminated Areas
Thoroughly clean any surfaces or utensils that may have contacted the product:
- Wash cutting boards, utensils, and countertops with hot, soapy water
- Sanitize surfaces with a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water)
- Clean refrigerator shelves and drawers that held the product
- Wash your hands thoroughly
Get a Refund or Return
You have several options:
Return to Store
Most stores accept returns of recalled products for a full refund, even without a receipt.
Contact the Manufacturer
Many manufacturers offer refunds or coupons. Check the recall notice for contact information.
Dispose Safely
If you can't return it, dispose of the product in a sealed bag in the trash where children and pets can't access it.
Monitor for Symptoms
If you've already consumed the product, watch for symptoms. The recall notice will describe what to look for based on the specific hazard.
If You've Already Eaten the Product
Don't panic. Not everyone who eats a contaminated product will get sick. However, you should:
- Note when you ate it. Write down the date, time, and how much you consumed.
- Watch for symptoms. Different contaminants cause different
symptoms on different timelines:
- Salmonella: 6 hours to 6 days
- Listeria: 1 to 4 weeks (up to 70 days)
- E. coli: 1 to 10 days
- Allergic reactions: Minutes to hours
- Contact your doctor if you develop symptoms or if you're in a high-risk group (pregnant, elderly, immunocompromised, young children).
- Save evidence. Keep the packaging, receipt, and any remaining product in case it's needed for testing.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical care immediately if you experience any of these symptoms after consuming a recalled product:
Emergency (Call 911)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion or altered consciousness
See a Doctor Soon
- Bloody diarrhea
- High fever (over 102°F)
- Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
- Signs of dehydration
- Severe abdominal pain
- Stiff neck with fever
Important Phone Numbers
How to Report a Problem
If you became ill from a recalled product, reporting helps protect others and improves food safety:
- → MedWatch: Report to FDA at safetyreporting.hhs.gov
- → Local Health Department: Report food-borne illness to your local or state health department
- → USDA (Meat/Poultry): Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854