Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Product Recall Awareness During the Holidays 

Last Updated: December 18, 2024

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to stay aware of food and toy recalls during the holiday season. Recalls let consumers know if there have been possible illnesses or injuries associated with items they’ve purchased.

“We encourage everyone to be aware of safety recalls,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Environmental Health Manager Cindy McKelvy. “Recalls protect consumers when a safety issue is found in food or in consumer products like toys. Anything from a missing allergen label to burn and fire hazards can cause a recall. Once a recall has been initiated, consumers should check their pantries, refrigerators, or freezers, and their children’s toys for any recalled items. Community members should ensure their safety and the safety of their families by carefully following recall instructions for return or disposal of the items.”

RHHD encourages community members to look for recalls in the following places:

• Foodsafety.gov, the Food and Drug Administration, and the CDC post food recalls.
• SaferProducts.gov and the Consumer Product Safety Commission post toy recalls.
• Retailers will often use store loyalty card programs to notify customers if they have purchased items that have been recalled.
• Many local news sources will also highlight recalls.

If you have purchased a recalled product:

• Do not eat or use the product.
• Return the food or toy for a refund, as instructed by the recall.
• Dispose of the product safely, as instructed by the recall.
• In the case of a food recall, clean surfaces, drawers, or utensils that came into contact with the food.

Follow these tips to ensure all holiday gifts are safe for children:

• Make sure any toy you buy is age appropriate. Children under 3 should not use toys with small parts that can easily go into a mouth. If you’re not sure about size, try fitting toy parts through a toilet paper roll — toys that can pass through the roll will pose a choking hazard.
• Follow all packaging instructions about safe usage.
• If you’re gifting a bike, skates, or scooter, add a helmet to the package.

For more health and safety information, please visit rhhd.gov and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.