Background and Definitions
Recalls are actions taken by a firm to remove a product from the market. Recalls
may be conducted on a firm's own initiative, by FDA request, or by FDA order
under statutory authority.
- Class I recall: a situation in which there is
a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product
will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
- Class
II recall: a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative
product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences
or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.
- Class III recall: a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative
product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.
- Market withdrawal: occurs when a product has a minor violation that would
not be subject to FDA legal action. The firm removes the product from the market
or corrects the violation. For example, a product removed from the market due
to tampering, without evidence of manufacturing or distribution problems, would
be a market withdrawal.
- Medical device safety alert: issued in situations where a medical device
may present an unreasonable risk of substantial harm. In some case, these situations
also are considered recalls.
