How to Check for Product Recalls in Canada
Knowing how to check for recalls can protect your family from unsafe products. This guide explains where to find recall information and how to verify if your products are affected.
Official Canadian Recall Sources
Product recalls in Canada are issued by three main federal agencies, depending on the type of product:
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
Handles all food recalls, including contamination, allergens, and labelling issues.
CFIA Recalls - Health Canada
Handles consumer products, health products, cosmetics, and medical devices.
Health Canada Recalls - Transport Canada
Handles vehicle recalls including cars, trucks, motorcycles, tires, and child car seats.
Government of Canada Vehicle Recalls
You can also use Recall Guide's search to search across all Canadian recalls in one place with easy-to-understand summaries.
How to Search for Recalls
Before searching, gather the following information about your product:
- Brand name – The manufacturer or brand name
- Product name – The specific product type or model
- Model number – Usually on a label or the packaging
- Lot code or serial number – Often near the expiry date or on the bottom
- UPC code – The barcode number on packaging
- Purchase date – When and where you bought it
With this information, search for recalls using the brand name or product type. Review any matching recall notices carefully.
Verifying Your Product
When you find a potential recall match, verify that your specific product is affected by checking:
- The exact brand and product name match
- The model number, lot code, or UPC falls within the recalled range
- The size, format, or packaging matches the recall description
- The best-before date or manufacture date is within the affected period
If any detail doesn't match, your product may not be affected. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer or retailer directly—they can verify using your product's specific codes.
Staying Informed About New Recalls
To stay ahead of recalls:
- Sign up for free email alerts from Recall Guide to get notified about recalls in categories you care about
- Register products with manufacturers so they can contact you directly
- Check recalls periodically for products you use frequently
- Follow official government recall social media accounts