| There are many government agencies that have | | | | quickly in order to save others from similar |
| some limited form of product recall | | | | - or worse - reactions. |
| responsibilities, such as the Coast Guard's | | | | |
| responsibility for certain marine-product | | | | Cars, Trucks, Vans, SUVs, ATVs and |
| recalls like floatation devices, and the | | | | Motorcycles |
| Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) | | | | |
| jurisdiction over recalls involving harm to | | | | Most things with an engine and four-wheels |
| the environment. However, the bulk of recalls | | | | are covered by the NHTSA, although certain |
| in the United States goes through one of four | | | | ATVs and motorbikes may also be covered by |
| government agencies: Consumer Product Safety | | | | the CPSC. In general, if it is legal to drive |
| Commission (CPSC), Food and Drug | | | | it on the street you should contact the USDA. |
| Administration (FDA), United States | | | | If it is a motorized toy or recreational |
| Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the | | | | vehicle, contact the CPSC. |
| National Highway Traffic Safety | | | | |
| Administration (NHTSA). This article aims to | | | | Auto parts, Tires, Infant Car Seats and |
| inform consumers about which agency to | | | | Vehicle Accessories |
| contact when they have a complaint to make | | | | |
| about a product, and how to go about | | | | If it is directly related to the automobile, |
| contacting the agency. | | | | such as a part or tires, contact the NHTSA. |
| | | | Infant car seats and most non-essential |
| Food Recalls | | | | automobile accessories are handled by the |
| | | | CPSC. |
| Both the FDA and USDA are responsible for | | | | |
| foods, but each has its own jurisdictions. If | | | | Toys, Electronics, Furniture, Clothes, |
| you have a complaint to make about meat, | | | | Etcetera... |
| poultry, dairy and egg products, the USDA | | | | |
| should be informed right away. See the end of | | | | The Consumer Product Safety Commission has |
| this article for contact information on all | | | | the most to worry about in terms of overall |
| agencies. For all other food products (i.e. | | | | products. Just about everything you can think |
| canned goods, fruit & veggies, processed | | | | of that was not covered in one of the above |
| foods, snacks, restaurant food, etcetera...) | | | | paragraphs is handled by the CPSC. |
| you should contact the FDA. | | | | |
| | | | How To Contact Each Agency |
| Pharmaceutical Drugs, Over-The-Counter Drugs | | | | |
| and Health Supplements | | | | FDA - |
| | | | |
| The FDA is in charge or regulating these, | | | | 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville MD 20857-0001 |
| although their ability to regulate health | | | | |
| supplements and 'herbal remedies' is somewhat | | | | 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) |
| limited at present. It is very important that | | | | |
| you contact the FDA in the event of an | | | | USDA - |
| unexpected side effect from any drug or | | | | |
| health supplement so they can investigate | | | | 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. |