When we purchase food, we think very little of it. We simply buy our groceries in good faith. When we head to the supermarket for our weekly grocery shop, choose items, pay for them and then bring them back into our homes, we expect those products to be as described, in date and, perhaps most importantly, safe to eat.
So, when the news hits that you have a defective, recalled food product it’s only natural to feel frightened and nervous about the situation. Looking for a lawyer? Just click the link. So, if you discover that you have a defective and recalled food product at home, what should you do? Read on to find out more.
Why would food be recalled?
There are three main reasons why food may be recalled, they are:
- Cross-contamination: Cross-contamination can happen in factories where multiple kinds of foods are mass-produced. However, if there has been an allergen risk, such as peanuts, sesame or milk etc getting into other foods which are not labelled “may contain”, then this food must be recalled.
- Pathogens: Listeria, E. coli, salmonella. All of these pathogens could be the reason behind your food recall.
- Contamination: This usually means a foreign object has gotten into the food. Wood, metal and glass are common.
So, what now?
Don’t panic!
Try not to worry. As scary as the situation seems, food is often recalled as a precautionary measure rather than an illness or injury outbreak.
Don’t eat the food
On the other hand, many people dismiss such recalls and proceed to eat the food regardless. This is a bad idea as you’re risking injury or illness to yourself. Don’t donate the food to a food bank, give to a neighbour or feed to your dog either.
Don’t be curious
Believe it or not, if you choose to open the food you’re probably not going to see what the issue is. Avoid opening the food and then throwing it away. Your dog or another animal may try to eat it.
Find out what to do next
Check the food company’s website or the manufacturers’ site for the latest information about what to do next. You’ll either be able to get a refund or get a replacement. They’ll also be able to tell you how and where to dispose of the product safely.
Collaborative Post
