You see a recall alert for something that looks exactly like food sitting in your refrigerator or pantry. What should you do next?
The first step is not to panic, and it is not to assume that every package from that brand is affected. Food recalls are often limited to specific packages, production lots, dates, or distribution areas.
Do not eat the product until you confirm the details
If you reasonably believe the food in your home may be part of a recall, set it aside while you check. Do not taste it to see whether it seems normal.
A recalled food can look, smell, and taste normal even when the recall involves a safety hazard. Keep the product away from children and pets while you verify the notice.
Find the official recall notice
Use the complete recall announcement instead of relying only on a social-media post or news headline. In the United States, the FDA regulates most foods, while USDA FSIS handles meat, poultry, and processed egg products.
The official notice may identify the affected food by brand, product name, package size, UPC, lot code, establishment number, best-by, use-by, or sell-by date, package images, and distribution information.
Match the package in your kitchen
This is the most important step. Do not stop after matching the brand. Place your product next to the official notice and compare each detail.
A different lot or date can mean your package is not included. If you cannot find a code, inspect the package seam, lid, label, back panel, bottle neck, side of a can, and the area near the barcode.
Follow the recall instructions exactly
Once you confirm that your food is affected, follow the specific instructions in the official notice. It may tell you to return the product, dispose of it, contact the manufacturer, request a refund, or take another action.
Consider what the food touched
Some recalls involve contamination that can spread to surfaces or other foods. If the recall notice or food-safety guidance calls for cleaning, consider refrigerator shelves, drawers, countertops, cutting boards, knives, containers, plates, and reusable shopping bags.
FDA guidance recommends cleaning and sanitizing surfaces that may have contacted contaminated recalled food. Follow the cleaning directions relevant to the specific recall.
Keep information you may need
Before returning or disposing of the product, consider saving your own photo of the package, UPC, lot code, best-by or expiration date, receipt, retailer, purchase date, and a copy of the recall notice.
Some recalls offer refunds or require identifying information. Once packaging is gone, recovering a tiny lot number printed on its side may be impossible. Keep these records securely yourself; ScanRecalls does not store receipts or package photos.
Pay attention to symptoms when illness is a risk
If a recall involves a potential foodborne illness or allergen exposure and you believe you may have been affected, follow the health guidance in the official notice.
FDA advises consumers experiencing symptoms related to an FDA-regulated food to contact a health care provider. This guide cannot determine whether an exposure caused illness; the official notice and a qualified health professional are the right sources for product-specific and medical advice.
Why food recalls are easy to miss
Most people do not maintain an inventory of every food at home. A package can remain in a freezer, the back of a pantry, a lunch drawer, a garage refrigerator, or a family member's kitchen long after purchase.
ScanRecalls can help you search official recall data using product identifiers and monitor an eligible barcode for future matching notices. Always compare the package with the original recall notice.
Check, match, act, and keep proof
- Stop using or eating the food while you verify the recall.
- Open the official notice.
- Match the exact product, package size, UPC, lot, and dates.
- Follow the return or disposal instructions.
- Clean affected surfaces if the recall guidance calls for it.
- Save your own photos and purchase information if needed.
- Contact a health professional if the official guidance recommends it and you have relevant symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Should I throw recalled food away immediately?
Read the recall instructions first. Depending on the recall, you may be instructed to return the product, dispose of it, or take another action. Saving a photo of the identifying information before disposal can also be useful.
Can I donate food that has been recalled?
No. FDA guidance states that recalled food should not be given to others, including food banks or pets.
How can I tell whether my package is included?
Compare the specific identifiers in the recall notice with your package. This may include UPC, lot code, package size, establishment number, and date information.
What if I already ate recalled food?
Read the health guidance in the official recall notice. If you have symptoms or concerns about illness or an allergic reaction, contact an appropriate health care professional.
Official recall resources
Recall details and instructions can change. Always use the notice for the exact product you own.