Why Reporting Matters
When you report an unsafe product, you help protect other consumers from harm. Government agencies rely on consumer reports to:
- Identify new safety hazards
- Expand existing recalls to cover more products
- Build cases against non-compliant companies
- Track injury patterns and product defects
Many recalls begin with a single consumer complaint. Your report could prevent serious injuries or save lives.
Before You Report
Gather the following information to make your report as useful as possible:
Product Information
- Product name and manufacturer
- Model number and serial number
- Date and location of purchase
- UPC code if available
Incident Details
- Date the incident occurred
- Description of what happened
- Photos of the product and any damage
- Photos of injuries if applicable
Medical Information (if relevant)
- Type of injury sustained
- Medical treatment received
- Healthcare provider contact information
Documentation
- Receipt or proof of purchase
- Product packaging and instructions
- Any correspondence with the manufacturer
Reporting to the CPSC
The Consumer Product Safety Commission handles consumer products including toys, furniture, appliances, and household items.
Online Reporting (Recommended)
Visit SaferProducts.gov to file a report online. This is the fastest and most effective method.
Steps:
- Go to SaferProducts.gov
- Click "File a Report"
- Provide your contact information
- Describe the product and incident
- Upload photos and documents
- Review and submit
Your report will be published in the public database within 10 business days, unless the manufacturer disputes it.
Phone Reporting
Call the CPSC Hotline: 1-800-638-2772 (TTY 1-800-638-8270)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time
What Happens After You Report
The CPSC reviews all reports and may:
- Contact you for additional information
- Forward the report to the manufacturer for response
- Open an investigation if a pattern emerges
- Use your report in recall negotiations
You will not necessarily hear back, but your report is reviewed and contributes to the agency's safety work.
Reporting to the FDA
The Food and Drug Administration handles food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and dietary supplements.
MedWatch for Drugs and Medical Devices
Report problems with medications, medical devices, or dietary supplements through FDA MedWatch.
Online: Complete Form FDA 3500 at the MedWatch website
Phone: 1-800-FDA-1088
Mail: Download the form and mail to the address provided
Food Safety Reporting
For food products, including contamination, foreign objects, or allergic reactions:
Online: Use the FDA Safety Reporting Portal
Phone: Contact the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator for your region (find your local number at FDA.gov)
Cosmetics Reporting
Report problems with cosmetics, skincare, or personal care products through the FDA Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your regional FDA office.
Reporting to NHTSA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration handles vehicles, tires, child car seats, and automotive equipment.
Online Reporting
Visit NHTSA.gov/report-a-safety-problem to file a complaint.
For Vehicles:
- Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Describe the safety problem
- Provide incident details
For Car Seats and Equipment:
- Select the product category
- Provide model information
- Describe the defect or failure
Phone Reporting
Call the Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153)
What NHTSA Does With Your Report
NHTSA uses consumer complaints to:
- Identify defect trends
- Open defect investigations
- Require manufacturers to issue recalls
- Monitor recall completion rates
Even if your vehicle is out of warranty, reporting helps identify safety defects that affect all owners.
Reporting to the USDA
The US Department of Agriculture handles meat, poultry, and egg products.
FSIS Complaints
Report problems with meat, poultry, or processed egg products to the Food Safety and Inspection Service:
Phone: USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854
Online: Email MPHotline@usda.gov
What to Report
- Contamination or foreign objects
- Spoilage or off-odors
- Illness after consuming the product
- Labeling issues (allergens, ingredients)
Save the product packaging and, if possible, the remaining product for potential testing.
Reporting to State Agencies
In addition to federal agencies, many states have consumer protection offices that handle product safety complaints:
- State Attorney General: Consumer protection division
- State Health Department: Food safety issues
- State Insurance Commissioner: Issues with warranties or refunds
Search for your state's consumer protection office at USA.gov/state-consumer.
Tips for Effective Reports
Be Specific
Include exact dates, model numbers, and descriptions. Vague reports are harder to act on.
Be Factual
Describe what happened without speculation. Stick to observable facts.
Include Photos
Pictures of the product defect, any damage, and injuries (if applicable) strengthen your report.
Follow Up
If you have additional information later, you can often add to your original report. Keep your confirmation number.
Report Even If No Injury Occurred
Near-misses and defect discoveries are valuable. You do not have to be injured for your report to matter.
Key Takeaways
- Report to the right agency based on the product type
- Gather information first including model numbers and photos
- Online reporting is usually fastest and creates a permanent record
- Your report helps others even if you do not receive direct feedback
- Report near-misses too because they help identify hazards before injuries occur
Consumer reports are the foundation of product safety oversight. Every report contributes to a safer marketplace, and your voice matters in protecting other families from harm.