History of Product recall in Timeline

A product recall is a manufacturer's request for consumers to return a product due to safety concerns or defects that could harm users or expose the manufacturer/seller to legal liabilities. It's a corrective action taken when a product is deemed unsafe. The recall process aims to remove hazardous products from the market, protecting consumers from potential harm. Companies may initiate recalls voluntarily or be mandated by regulatory bodies. Recalls can involve repairs, replacements, or refunds. Effective communication with consumers is crucial for a successful recall, ensuring affected products are returned or remedied promptly.

1966: Motor vehicle recalls since 1966

Since 1966, 390 million motor vehicles have been recalled in the USA.

2003: Increase in car recalls between 2015 and 2020 compared to 2003 and 2014

Between 2015 and 2020, more cars have been recalled than between 2003 and 2014.

February 2007: Reports of renal failure in pets consuming wet pet foods

In February 2007, reports of renal failure in pets consuming mostly wet pet foods made with wheat gluten from a single Chinese company surfaced. This led to the massive recall of many brands of cat and dog foods beginning in March 2007.

March 2007: Massive recall of cat and dog foods begins in March 2007

In March 2007, a massive recall of many brands of cat and dog foods began, in response to reports of renal failure in pets consuming mostly wet pet foods made with wheat gluten from a single Chinese company, beginning in February 2007.

March 16, 2007: Menu Foods initiates voluntary recall of pet food

On March 16, 2007, the Canadian company Menu Foods initiated a voluntary recall of pet food after a company test showed sickness and death in some of the test animals.

2007: Notable pet food recall in 2007

The 2007 pet food recall stands out and is well known because of the sheer size, scope, and number of animals affected.

September 12, 2008: Mars Petcare US recalls dry pet food due to salmonella

On September 12, 2008, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of all dry pet food products produced at its plant in Everson, Pennsylvania, citing potential contamination with salmonella.

2009: Increase in recalls halts during economic crisis

In 2009, the increasing trend of product recalls experienced a temporary pause due to the economic crisis.

2010: Increase in recalls halts during economic crisis

In 2010, the increasing trend of product recalls experienced a temporary pause due to the economic crisis.

2014: Increase in car recalls between 2015 and 2020 compared to 2003 and 2014

Between 2015 and 2020, more cars have been recalled than between 2003 and 2014.

2015: Increase in car recalls between 2015 and 2020

Between 2015 and 2020, more cars have been recalled than between 2003 and 2014.

2015: Increase in food product recalls in the US

In 2015, there were 108 products recalled due to foreign body contamination, in the US according to the US Food and Drug Administration Enforcement reports.

2016: Increase in food product recalls in the US

In 2016, over 3000 food products were recalled in the US according to the US Food and Drug Administration Enforcement reports. Individual recall events caused by contamination from foreign bodies (physical contamination from metal, glass, plastic, wood etc.) increased by 76% compared with 2015. There were 422 products recalled due to foreign body contamination, whilst in 2015 there were 108; almost a 300% increase.

2016: Peak of 50 million cars recalled in the USA

In 2016, recalls reached a peak of 50 million cars in the USA.

July 23, 2018: Pepperidge Farm recalls Goldfish crackers

On July 23, 2018, Pepperidge Farm announced that the Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar Goldfish crackers were being recalled due to possible salmonella contamination in the whey powder used on them. This recall also affected the Flavor Blasted Sour Cream and Onion, Whole Grain Xtra Cheddar, and Xtra Cheddar and Pretzel varieties.

2018: 29 million cars recalled in the USA

In 2018, 29 million cars were recalled in the USA.

September 10, 2020: Recall of ABS-CBN frequencies and provisional authorities

On September 10, 2020, the frequencies of ABS-CBN Channel 2, alongside its digital channels such as Yey!, Asianovela Channel, and Movie Central, as well as terrestrial operations of cable channels such as Cine Mo!, TeleRadyo Serbisyo, Jeepney TV, Myx, and Knowledge Channel on ABS-CBN TV Plus, and other pertinent local TV and radio stations, were recalled by the Philippine National Telecommunications Commission citing the absence of a valid, legislative franchise. The provisional authorities and certificates of public convenience granted to ABS-CBN were also taken away by the said government agency.

2020: Increase in car recalls between 2015 and 2020

Between 2015 and 2020, more cars have been recalled than between 2003 and 2014.

December 2022: Toyota recalls 1.12 million cars due to airbag fault

In December 2022, Toyota recalled 1.12 million cars including various models of Avalon, Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Lexus ES series, RX350 Highlander, and Sienna Hybrid, due to a fault in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors that could cause the airbags not to deploy as designed.

2022: British Standards Institute releases PAS 7100:2022 standard

In 2022, the British Standards Institute released PAS 7100:2022 standard, titled Supporting Better Product Recalls. The aim of this standard is to help businesses plan in advance for conducting a product recall.