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