Frequently Asked Questions
How often is RecallDetector updated?
Our data pipeline checks all four federal agencies (FDA, USDA, CPSC, and NHTSA) multiple times per day. New recalls typically appear on RecallDetector within hours of the official government announcement.
Where does the data come from?
All recall data comes directly from official U.S. government sources: the FDA's openFDA API for food, drug, and medical device recalls; the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service for meat and poultry recalls; the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for consumer product recalls; and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for vehicle recalls.
Is RecallDetector affiliated with the FDA or any government agency?
No. RecallDetector is an independent consumer information service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency. We aggregate publicly available recall data to make it easier for consumers to stay informed.
What is a Class I recall?
Class I is the most serious type of recall. It means there is a reasonable probability that use of or exposure to the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Examples include food contaminated with botulism or a medical device that could cause fatal injuries.
What is a Class II recall?
Class II means use of or exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. Many food recalls for undeclared allergens fall into this category.
What is a Class III recall?
Class III is the least serious classification. Use of or exposure to the product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences. Examples include minor labeling errors that don't affect safety.
What should I do if I have a recalled product?
Stop using the product immediately. For food and drug recalls, do not consume the product — throw it away or return it to the store for a refund. For consumer products, stop using the item and follow the remedy instructions (usually a refund, replacement, or repair). For vehicle recalls, contact your dealer to schedule a free repair.
Does RecallDetector track pet food recalls?
Yes. Pet food recalls from the FDA are included in our food recall database. You can search for "pet food," "dog food," or "cat food" to find relevant recalls.
How do I check if my car has a recall?
Use our VIN Check tool. Enter your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and we'll check the NHTSA database for any open safety recalls on your specific vehicle. You can find your VIN on the lower-left corner of your windshield or on your vehicle registration card.
Are vehicle recall repairs free?
Yes. By federal law, manufacturers must repair safety recall defects at no cost to the vehicle owner, regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or warranty status. You should never be charged for a safety recall repair.
How far back does your data go?
Our FDA recall data goes back to 2004. USDA meat and poultry recalls go back to 2012. CPSC consumer product recalls go back to 2004. NHTSA vehicle recalls go back to 2015. In total, we track over 99,000 historical recall records.
How do I report a product safety problem?
You can report safety problems directly to the relevant federal agency: report food and drug problems to the FDA at FDA.gov/safety/report-problem, report consumer product hazards to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, and report vehicle defects to NHTSA at NHTSA.gov/report-a-safety-problem.