How to report an unsafe product in the UK
Who to tell about a dangerous product, food problem, faulty car or medicine side effect, and what information to have ready.
Recalls often start with one person reporting a problem. If something you bought seems dangerous, reporting it helps protect other people. Here is who to tell.
General products
For household goods, toys, electrical items, furniture and similar products, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline. They record the report and pass it to your local Trading Standards team, who can investigate the seller or manufacturer. Trading Standards also share information with the Office for Product Safety and Standards, which can order recalls.
Food
If you find something wrong with food, such as foreign objects, signs of contamination or a missing allergen, report it to the Food Standards Agency through its online “report a food problem” service. In Scotland, report to Food Standards Scotland. Keep the food and packaging if you can.
Vehicles
If you think a safety fault affects a make or model of car, van, motorbike or trailer, you can report it to the DVSA. They investigate patterns of faults and can work with the manufacturer on a recall.
Medicines and medical devices
Side effects from medicines, and problems with medical devices, can be reported through the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme. Patients, carers and health professionals can all use it. Talk to your pharmacist or GP as well, especially if you are worried about carrying on with a treatment.
What to have ready
- the product name, brand and model or batch number
- where and when you bought it, and a receipt or order confirmation if you have one
- what happened, and photos if possible
- details of any injury or damage
Keep the evidence
Do not throw the product away or send it back before you have reported it, unless it is a fire risk. Investigators may want to examine it. If it is dangerous to keep, unplug it, take photos and store it safely outside or in a garage.
If anyone is hurt, get medical help first. In an emergency, call 999.
More guides
- Pet food and pet product recalls: what to do
- Children’s products and toy recalls
- How food recalls work in the UK
- E-bike and e-scooter battery safety
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.