How to check if a product has been recalled
A step-by-step guide to checking any product, food, car or medicine for UK recalls, and where to find the codes you need.
Checking for a recall only takes a minute if you know what to look for. Here is a quick way to do it for any product.
1. Find the identifying details
- Products and appliances: the brand, model name or number, and sometimes a serial number or date code, usually on a label or rating plate.
- Food: the product name, pack size, batch or lot code, and best-before or use-by date, usually printed near the date mark.
- Vehicles: the make, model and year, and for some recalls the VIN from your logbook or windscreen.
- Medicines: the medicine name, strength and batch number on the box.
2. Search
Use the search box on Is It Recalled? to search by brand, product name or model. You can also browse by type: products, food, vehicles, medicines and pets. For cars, use the car recall check.
3. Match the details exactly
Recalls usually cover specific models, batches or dates. A recall for one model of kettle does not mean every kettle from that brand is affected. Compare the codes carefully.
4. Follow the instructions
Every recall page tells you what the problem is and what to do, with a link to the official notice. If there is any difference between our summary and the official notice, follow the official notice.
5. Stay informed
New recalls are published every week. Sign up for free alerts to get an email when something new comes out, and register appliances and baby products with their manufacturers.
More guides
- Understanding allergy alerts and allergen labelling
- How to report an unsafe product in the UK
- E-bike and e-scooter battery safety
- Children’s products and toy recalls
This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice. Always follow the official notice for a specific recall. Read our editorial policy or see all guides.