Recall, withdrawal or safety notice: what’s the difference?
The difference between a product recall, a withdrawal, a safety notice and a warning, and what each one means you should do.
Not every alert means you need to take a product back. The wording on a notice tells you how serious it is and who needs to act.
Recall
A recall means the product is being taken back from customers. It has already been sold, and the business wants it out of homes because it could cause harm. You should stop using it and follow the instructions, which usually mean returning it, getting it repaired, or throwing it away for a refund.
Withdrawal
A withdrawal means the product is being taken off shop shelves and out of the supply chain before it reaches more customers. If you already have one, the notice will say whether you need to do anything. Sometimes a withdrawal becomes a recall once more is known.
Safety notice or field safety notice
Safety notices are common for medical devices and some vehicles. They ask users to check something, update software, or use the product in a particular way, rather than return it. Read them carefully, as they can still matter a great deal.
Warning or alert
Some notices warn about a type of product rather than one brand, for example unbranded chargers sold online, or a hazard such as button batteries. These do not always come with a refund, but they tell you what to look out for.
Risk levels
Product safety notices from the Office for Product Safety and Standards often include a risk level, from low to serious. A serious risk means a high chance of injury, such as a fire, electric shock or choking. We show the risk level on every recall where the official notice gives one.
What to do with any notice
- Check the exact model, batch or date against what you own.
- Follow the “what to do” instructions in the notice.
- If you are unsure, contact the business named on the notice.
Browse the latest recalls to see how notices are worded in practice.
More guides
- Understanding allergy alerts and allergen labelling
- What to do if your car is recalled
- Checking second-hand goods for recalls
- Buying safely from online marketplaces
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.