Product recalls in the United States - Statistics & Facts
A product recall is a request to return a product after the discovery of subpar quality standards, safety issues, or product defects that might endanger the consumer and/or put the maker or seller at risk of legal action. The recall is an effort to ensure public safety, limit ruination of the corporate image, and limit liability for corporate negligence, which can cause the responsible company significant legal costs. Even if an item that was deemed unsafe is removed from store shelves, few steps are taken to actually remove said item from homes, facilities, second-hand stores, and garage sales. Coupled with the reality that many consumers may be unaware of any product-related hazards or incidents, it results in millions of recalled products remaining in use.
