What to Do With a Recalled Product — Return, Repair, or Refund?
March 4, 2026
Your Options Depend on the Agency and the Product
When you discover that a product you own has been recalled, the right course of action depends on what kind of product it is and which agency issued the recall. The remedy options differ between FDA-regulated products, USDA-regulated products, and CPSC consumer products.
CPSC Products: The Clearest Path
Consumer product recalls issued by the CPSC almost always include a specific remedy: a refund, a replacement product, a free repair, or a combination. The recall notice will tell you exactly what to do — stop using the product, contact the manufacturer, and follow the instructions to receive your remedy.
Common CPSC remedies include:
- Return for refund: Send the product back to the retailer or manufacturer for a full refund
- Free repair kit: The manufacturer sends you a part or tool to fix the defect yourself
- Scheduled repair: A technician comes to your home to repair a large product like an appliance
- Replacement: You receive a new, non-defective version of the product
Companies are legally required to provide these remedies at no cost to consumers. If a company is unresponsive, you can report the issue to the CPSC.
FDA Food Products: Return or Discard
For recalled food products, the standard advice is to return the product to the store for a refund or throw it away. Most grocery retailers accept recalled products with or without a receipt. If the recall involves a contamination risk (Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli), do not consume the product under any circumstances, even if it appears fine.
There is generally no formal "remedy" process for food recalls the way there is for consumer products. You get your money back from the retailer, and that is typically the extent of it.
FDA Drugs: Talk to Your Pharmacist
For recalled medications, contact your pharmacy. They can verify whether your specific lot is affected and provide a replacement from a different manufacturer or lot. Do not stop taking a critical medication without medical guidance — your pharmacist or doctor should advise you on the best course of action.
FDA Devices: Follow the Recall Notice
Recalled medical devices vary so widely in type and complexity that there is no single remedy path. The recall notice will specify whether you need to return the device, bring it in for repair, install a software update, or simply be aware of additional monitoring recommendations. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your device and situation.
Document Everything
Regardless of the product type, keep records. Photograph the product and its identifying information (lot numbers, serial numbers, UPC codes). Save your receipt if you have one. Note the date you purchased the product and when you became aware of the recall. This documentation can be helpful if you need to pursue a refund or if you experienced harm from the product. Check the active recalls page to confirm the recall status.