What Leads to a Product Recall?
A product recall can come about in two ways. The first is when a government agency such as the CPSC orders the product recall. The second is when the manufacturer or distributor of an unsafe product voluntarily initiates a product recall. The CPSC issues a product recall when it finds a significant risk of accident or injury to consumers. The risk might be from a defect in the product or its violation of safety standards. Consumer complaints are a key way in which the CPSC learns of the need for a product recall. Surprisingly, companies that make or sell unsafe products have no legal duty to initiate a product recall. Sometimes, a manufacturer voluntarily initiates a product recall. It may do this to reduce its liability for accidents and injuries or in anticipation of a government-ordered product recall.
