Q&A for consumers: Understanding food recalls

By Roger Hancock, CEO of Recall InfoLink

 Recalls happen fast—often without much warning. Maybe you saw something on the news about a recall, a friend sent you a link, or you noticed a sign in the store after you bought the item. So, how can you tell which foods were recalled? What should you do if you think you’ve purchased or consumed a recalled item?

These are some of the most common questions consumers ask as they try to protect themselves and their families. The answers below aim to provide clarity on how recalls work, what actions to take, and what to expect when a recall affects food you’ve bought or consumed.

 How will I hear about a food recall?
It depends. Some companies will contact you via email, phone call, or text. Your supermarket may post signs. Some recalls make the news, while others don’t. The FDA and USDA may post recall information on their websites. 

 How do I know why something is being recalled? Does it even matter
Recall notices should include the reason for the recall, and companies should be transparent about what happened. The reasons matter and can help consumers understand the risks they face. For instance, products contaminated by a pathogen or containing undeclared allergens pose higher health threats than strawberry ice cream that isn’t “pink enough.” 

I heard about a recall, but I don’t know if the product I bought is affected. What should I do?
Check the brand name, product size, UPC code, and expiration or “best by” date listed in the recall notice, and compare this information to the product you purchased. Look for a QR code on the package or visit the brand’s website for more details on the recall, including product identifiers, geographic locations impacted, etc. If you’re still unsure, err on the side of caution and don’t eat the product.

I already ate a recalled product. What now?
Most recalls are issued without any reported illnesses, not because people are already sick. Look at the recall notice and see what risk is listed. If you feel sick, call your healthcare provider and let them know what you ate. They’ll provide guidance about next steps.

There’s a recall on a product still on the store shelf. Should I say something?
Yes! Let the store manager or a staff member know. The store’s staff may have mistakenly left the product on the shelves, the product may look similar to the recalled product but isn’t affected, or you heard about the recall even before the store did. Speak up to help protect others. 

I saw a recall online. How do I know if it’s real?
Check the source, visit the brand’s website, or contact the brand directly. Recalls posted by the USDA can be found here. Recalls posted by the FDA are available here.

Why do some recalls seem so confusing or vague?
Some companies aren’t great at consumer messaging. And since there’s still no universal format for recall notices, each company is left to decide what counts as “good” communication. Another reason is that recalls often evolve over time to include more products, geographies, and/or reported illnesses, so it’s common for recall messaging to change as more information becomes available, recalls expand, etc. This is no excuse for initial communication to be vague, but may help explain why more information is added later.  

Can I just rinse or cook recalled food instead of throwing it away?
NO! Rinsing or cooking contaminated foods isn’t guaranteed to make them safe. Follow the recall instructions to throw away recalled products or return them to the point of purchase. 

Can I rely on a recalling company to keep me safe?
A recall isn’t a sign that the company isn’t keeping you safe — poor communication is. Recalls actually demonstrate that safeguards put in place to catch food safety breaches are working properly. While the recall itself doesn’t make a brand untrustworthy, pay attention to how they handle the situation. Companies that are transparent in their communication — explaining what happened and what happens next — are more trustworthy. 

A final note
More companies are stepping up to improve how they communicate with consumers during a recall. The FDA recently published a letter about the need to modernize recall communication to consumers. Efforts are gaining momentum through organizations like STOP Foodborne Illness and the Alliance for Recall Ready Communities, who are developing better templates and tools so companies can communicate more clearly and consistently. Until better systems are in place, the best thing consumers can do is stay aware, ask questions, and expect companies to take food safety and recall communication seriously.