How risk is rated
The risk level on a recall comes from the government agency that issued it, never from Recall Canary.
What each level means
This is how each level appears on a recall page, under the summary.
- High risk
There is a reasonable chance the product could cause serious health problems or death.
- FDA or USDA Class I recall
- Do not drive
Don’t drive the vehicle until it is repaired.
- NHTSA warning
- Park outside
The vehicle can catch fire even when it is parked. Park it outside, away from buildings, until it is repaired.
- NHTSA warning
- Moderate risk
FDA: the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health problems. Serious harm is unlikely.
USDA: there is a remote chance the product could cause health problems.
- FDA or USDA Class II recall
- Low risk
The product is unlikely to cause health problems.
- FDA or USDA Class III recall
- No risk level shown
The agency did not rate this recall. CPSC, which covers consumer products, does not rate recalls. Most vehicle recalls carry no do-not-drive or park-outside warning. Some FDA recalls are not classified yet, and a USDA public health alert is not a recall, so it has no class.
No risk level does not mean low risk. The recall page still says what the hazard is, and “What to do” says what to do.
- The agency gave no rating
Whatever the level, follow “What to do” on the recall page and the agency’s notice.
Which agency covers what
Every recall on Recall Canary comes from one of these four agencies. Each link opens that agency’s own recall list.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics and pet food.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
Meat, poultry and egg products.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Consumer products: toys, furniture, appliances, clothing and more.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Vehicles, tires, car seats and vehicle equipment.