Voluntary Product Recalls Protect Companies as well as Consumers

Products, foods, drugs, and almost anything bought and used by the public may be recalled by government agencies if they are found to be harmful, or even potentially harmful, to consumers. Depending on the type of good or aspect of production at issue, one of the following agencies generally has the responsibility of monitoring and testing a product’s safety:

United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – Consumer products, including toys, appliances, and other household goods

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical drugs, and health supplements
Food Safety & Inspection Services (FSIS) – Meat, poultry, and eggs
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – On-road vehicles and related products, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, tires, helmets, and child safety seats
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Pesticides, fertilizers, and anything that may be harmful to the environment
United States Coast Guard – Boats, life jackets, and related products
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Aircraft and related products

In some cases, recalls are “compulsory,” which means the product supplier or manufacture did not take action to prevent a hazardous product from entering the marketplace. Often, however, a supplier or manufacturer discovers that a product is dangerous or defective and voluntarily initiates a product recall. A voluntary product recall occurred in Florida recently, when in December, South Florida Bakery issued a voluntary recall on several varieties of Publix Bakery Coconut Macaroons, called “Coquitos.” The macaroons were recalled because the ingredient list on the packaging failed to include a milk ingredient present in the product.

For people who are allergic or extremely sensitive to milk, eating the product could result in a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction. The recall was reported to the FDA, as was a request for consumers to return any purchased Coquitos to a Publix store for a refund or replacement. While a voluntary recall works to limit liability for corporate negligence (and also minimize damage to a company’s reputation and/or brand name), suppliers and manufacturers may still be held responsible for any harm their oversight or mistake caused to a consumer.

Experienced Florida Personal

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or illness because a product was mislabeled or contained some other defect, please contact Fetterman & Associates – The Law Team at (561)-845-2510 for a free initial consultation. Our Florida personal injury lawyers serve Palm Beach County, St. Lucie County, and Martin County.

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