Product Recall Process
Product problems are reported when there is a concern about the quality, performance or safety of any product. Problems with product quality can be caused during manufacturing, shipping or storage.
These problems include:
- Product contamination;
- Design defect and defective components;
- Poor packaging or product mix-up;
- Labeling concerns;
- Malicious tampering with the product.
As a result, unsafe products must be removed from the market and a product recall is initiated.
A recall may be initiated voluntarily, when the manufacturer or supplier initiates the recall without enforcement from a U.S. federal or local government consumer protection agency.
All other recalls are mandatory and are enforceable in Bermuda. In these cases, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notifies Consumer Affairs by a “Safety Alert” issued directly to Consumer Affairs’ Executive Officer from the District Attorney's Office.
Upon receipt of the recalls Consumer Affairs follows these procedures:
- Consumer Affairs identifies whether or not there is a possibility the item is sold locally;
- If the recalled item is deemed to be on the Island the manufacturer is called and details such as manufacturing dates, serial numbers and reimbursement information are gathered;
- Consumer Affairs will contact the local retailers to begin the process of the recall. Depending on the hazard level of the recall, products replacements or replacement parts, refunds or the removal of the product from the shelves will be carried out;
- Once the procedure for managing the recall is in place with each retailer, Consumer Affairs will make the recall public via a release to the press. The press release will include all pertinent details of the recall and any compensation measures that may be in place.