Quality control is probably one of the last things you ever think about while doing your routine grocery run. However, quality control from the production line to the supermarket and then to your home can make the difference between life and death at no fault of your own. In lieu of the recent Tyson poultry recall, where over 8.5 million pounds of chicken was recalled after three hospitalizations and 1 death, we would like to share some tips on what to do if a product you recently purchased was included in a recall.
Immediately check your food
Maybe you were watching the news or saw a post on social media calling attention to recalling a product you recently purchased. Don’t panic. Most recalls are due to some type of contamination or mislabeling while the product was in the stage of production before it left the facility. In some cases, this can affect the food quality and potentially cause illness and, in rare cases, death. Because of this potential risk, Foodsafety.gov recommends not consuming the food or even opening it.
Have you already eaten it?
If you have already taken a bite or have already cooked the item and consumed it, do not panic. While the risk of illness can occur, it is usually rare, with the threat to loss of life additionally being lower than that. If you do become sick or experience symptoms similar to that of food poisoning, contact poison control and go to the emergency room, especially if your symptoms do not subside within 24-48 hours.
Take it back to the store
In most cases, grocery stores will take back recalled items even after it has been opened. If it is a perishable item, store it in the fridge away from your other food (in a sealed container or bag) and bring the item back to the grocery store where you bought it for a refund. Please note that some grocery stores can refuse to refund items at their own discretion. If this occurs, contact the manufacturer of the item. Contact information for these brands can usually be located on the brand’s website or somewhere on the item’s packaging. Inform them that you have purchased a recalled item, and you would like to discuss how you can get your money back after the store you brought it from refused to let you return it. Some brands will ask you to provide proof of purchase, so keep that receipt handy.
Research frequently purchased brands
Google is your best friend. There are many consumer panels online that list recalled items based on brands. If your loyalty is to a specific brand, information on a recall might not be made readily available or publicized right away or at all. Websites like the Food Safety and Inspection Service or FSIS provides extensive information on recalls and safety alerts related to food and items to avoid during your next shopping trip due to quality control issues.
