Product Recalls - Notice by Press Release
When a company is unable to identify all purchasers of a recalled product and notify them directly, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) typically issues a press release jointly with the company. The CPSC develops the wording of the release with the company. The CPSC discourages unilateral releases issued by companies because they create confusion among the media and public, particularly if the CPSC also issues a release on the same subject. The CPSC will send the press release to national wire services, major metropolitan daily newspapers, television and radio networks, and periodicals on the CPSC's news contact mailing list. In addition, the CPSC posts recall press releases on its Internet site and requests companies to provide color photographs of recalled products for the site.
Each recall press release should use the word "recall" in the heading and should begin, "In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)...."
According to the CPSC, all recall press releases must include the following:
* the name and location of the recalling company;
* the name of the recalled product and its manufacturer;
* the number of products involved;
* a description of the hazard posed by the product;
* a description of the defect and the date the CPSC was first notified of the defect;
* the number of deaths, injuries, and incidents involving the product;
* a detailed description of the product, including model and serial numbers, colors, sizes, labeling, and intended use;
* a line drawing or photograph of the product;
* the major retailers of the product, where and when the product was sold, and the suggested retail price;
* complete instructions for consumers regarding how to obtain a refund, replacement, or repair of the product; and
* a name and "800" telephone number for consumers to use if they wish to contact the company with questions regarding the recall.
Note that all proposed recall notices must be approved in advance by the CPSC.
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