here are a number of different protections in place and available to the public to help protect consumers from defective or dangerous products. With different protections out there, consumers and members of the public may wonder what the different protections are and the legal options available to them if they have been harmed by a dangerous or defective product.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall process is in place to process, classify and publicize recalls so that the public is timely notified of dangers. There are different types of recalls, including voluntary recalls, FDA requested recalls and FDA mandated recalls. The process begins with a recall action and the determination if the action meets the definition of a recall. In addition, the FDA reviews information provided by the firm involved in the recall, reviews the firm's recall strategy, evaluates the danger and health hazard of the product and classifies the recall according to applicable laws.
The FDA then provides notice to the firm if it needs to alter its recall strategy and about any need for press releases, as well as additional information it may share with the firm involved in the recall. The FDA may provide its own press release concerning the recall. Next, the FDA actively monitors the recall and provides a recall audit to ensure the recall has been effective. Lastly, the FDA determines when the recall should be terminated.
It is important to understand the recall process and steps in the process but it is also important to understand the legal options available to victims harmed by a defective or dangerous product. Personal injury legal protections may be available to victims who have suffered harm because of a defective or dangerous product.