Do You Have to Stop Using a Recalled Product Immediately?

Not all recalls carry the same urgency. The recall notice itself is the definitive source for what action to take and how quickly. Here is how to read it.

What the Recall Notice Tells You

Every CPSC recall notice includes a hazard description and specific consumer instructions. The instructions range from "stop using immediately and contact the manufacturer" to "consumers may continue using the product while they await a repair kit." Reading these instructions carefully tells you exactly what to do.

If the recall notice says "stop use immediately" or describes a hazard that could cause fire, electrocution, injury, or death under normal use conditions, stop using the product right now.

If the notice describes a lower-risk issue (a minor component defect, a labelling error, a problem that only occurs under specific unusual conditions) it may indicate continued use is acceptable while you arrange the remedy.

When You Should Always Stop Immediately

Stop using a recalled product without waiting to read the fine print if it involves:

• Fire or explosion risk
• Electrical shock or electrocution
• Carbon monoxide emission
• Choking or entrapment hazard for a child
• Structural failure risk (a recalled crib, ladder, or chair)
• Food contamination (Class I food recall, Listeria, E. coli, Salmonella, undeclared allergens for someone with a known allergy)

For these categories, the risk of continued use outweighs the inconvenience of stopping until the remedy is provided.

Continuing to Use a Recalled Product

Some recall notices do permit continued use while awaiting a remedy, typically when:

• The defect only occurs under rare or specific conditions
• The remedy is a software update or minor adjustment
• The manufacturer needs time to produce and distribute replacement parts

If you choose to continue using a recalled product while awaiting a remedy, follow any interim safety precautions stated in the recall notice (such as keeping a fire extinguisher nearby, using only on certain settings, or not leaving the product unattended while in use).

What to Do with the Product in the Meantime

Do not pass a recalled product on to someone else. Do not donate it, sell it, or give it away. Passing on a recalled product transfers the safety risk to someone else who may not know about the recall.

Store it safely until you receive instructions from the manufacturer on what to do with it. Some recalls require you to return the product; others instruct you to dispose of it locally. Follow the recall notice instructions.