How the FDA protects us
Product recalls are probably the most recognized way in which the FDA prevents contaminated food and other harmful products from getting into the hands of American shoppers. This can include anything from food (human and animal), drugs and medical devices to vaccines, cosmetics and tobacco products. Recalls are actions taken to remove harmful products from the market. These recalls can be due to products containing but not identifying ingredients that consumers may be allergic to.
Examples
An example is M&M chocolates that the FDA recalled because it may contain peanut butter without listing it on the ingredient label on the outside cardboard box. This could cause serious health problems for those who are allergic to peanuts in any form.
The same company, Mars, also received an FDA product recall on their Pedigree dog food in August of 2014 because it contained foreign matter. Other recalled products during 2014 thus far include:
- McCormick ground oregano - salmonella
- Hills Science Diet dry dog food - salmonella
- Lean Cuisine chicken with peanut sauce - may contain shrimp
- Dermatend mole removal - not approved by the FDA
- Platex power adapters for breast pumps - may cause electric shock
For a complete list of all 2014 recalls by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, visit http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ArchiveRecalls/2014/default.htm