When the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission finds fault or a potential for danger in a certain product, they have the authority to request a product recall. A product recall is a government issued request to return a defective product to the maker. While these product recalls can be costly and tarnish a company’s reputation, overall, they are helpful in limiting liability for corporate negligence.
In some cases, companies will issue a recall voluntarily, which means the recall was not mandated by the CPSC. Nearly all announced recalls are voluntary. Voluntary product recalls are thought to be safeguards against potential lawsuits and tricky legal situations.
Voluntary Recalls in 2015
In 2015, there have been many headlines listing several high-profile voluntary recalls, including:
- Takata Airbags – Takata airbag inflators were recalled for a defect that involved more than 34 million vehicles. This recall came after it was found that the inflators could rupture when deployed, causing them to seriously injure occupants in the vehicle. At least 6 deaths and more than 100 injuries have been associated with the defect. This recall is currently the largest automotive recall in the history of the U.S.
- Niagara Bottling – After evidence was found linking E. coli bacteria at the springsource, a voluntary recall was made. This recall involved spring water produced at two of their Pennsylvania plants from June 10 to June 18, 2015.
- Blue Bell Ice Cream – Blue Bell Creamery issued a recall for all ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and any of their frozen snacks after it was found that these foods might have been contaminated with Listeria. At this time, there are at least 10 different cases of people who have been infected with the disease and three deaths.
- Sabra Hummus – Sabra Dipping Co., LLC issued a nationwide voluntary recall of select batches of its classic hummus due to a possible contamination with Listeria.
- Kraft Mac & Cheese – Kraft issued a voluntary recall in March after a concern arose of metal pieces located in approximately 240,000 boxes of Macaroni & Cheese dinners.
Our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are committed to providing injury victims with exceptional legal counsel that they can rely upon. If you have questions or concerns about a recall, we can help. If you or someone you love has suffered serious personal injury because of a dangerous or defective product, you may have the right to seek financial compensation for your injuries. For a free consultation, please call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online.