Recalls of Personal Health Products

Consumers purchase a wide range of items classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as personal health products. Many of these products, even though they have passed the regulatory requirements of the FDA, might still make unsubstantiated claims, or mislabel their ingredients or intended benefits and results. A personal health product manufacturer that violates an FDA regulation will be forced to manage a personal health product recall.

Whether produced in this country or imported from abroad, many of these personal health products have been hit with product recalls. These types of products are widely distributed in drug stores, major retail outlets, nutrition stores, and over the Internet, so the logistics of a personal health product recall for manufacturers and retailers can be a significant a challenge.

The typical backlash against a personal health product recall is strong. Many consumers become upset that not only did the product fail to meet expectations, but in some cases it could actually cause harm. The subsequent damage to the brand can be significant.

The recall logistics and recall preparedness planning required for personal health product manufacturers and retailers are essentially the same as those required for manufacturers of prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs.

Risk managers are becoming more aware of the need for a personal health product recall plan, and many are relying on a recall firm to provide the needed support to maintain high standards of FDA regulatory compliance.