A recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports National Research Center determined that the vast majority of Americans were unaware of whether they had purchased food, medication or a product (other than a car) that had been recalled in the past three years. In fact, only one-fifth were aware that they had purchased a recalled product in the past three years.
The survey also found that:
- Half of Americans were not confident that manufacturers and retailers effectively communicated safety information with government agencies;
- Two-fifths of Americans were not confident that manufacturers and retailers provided consumers with appropriate product recall information;
- Less than a quarter of Americans have researched a purchased product to determine whether it had been recalled; and
- More than half of Americans never or rarely completed product registration cards.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), at least 124.7 million products were recalled in 2010. Overall, recalled products were associated with 26 deaths, according to the CPSC.
Consumers are reminded of the importance of completed product registration cards so that they can promptly be notified of a product recall. According to an article published by WLS-TV Chicago, some companies, such as Costco, are taking additional precautionary measures to ensure that consumers are notified of product recalls, such as maintaining purchase records so they can contact customers directly in the event of a product recall.
Consumers can view a listing of product recalls at www.recalls.gov. The experienced Chicago product liability lawyers at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish are committed to protecting consumers and those injured by safe and dangerous products.
Steinberg, Goodman, & Kalish (www.sgklawyers.com) is dedicated to protecting victims and their families. We handle medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, professional negligence, birth trauma, and railroad law matters. Contact us at (888) 325-7299.
Continue reading : Most Americans Unaware of Product Recalls
