Recall actions

A recall action happens when a product supplied in Australia experiences a problem. 

This could be because of:

• basic problems, such as errors in labels or packaging
• more serious and complex problems, such as an unexpected increase in side effects or microbial contamination.

Recall actions vary based on the type of product, and the problem posed to health and safety. 

Sometimes, you must immediately stop using the product and it must be destroyed or returned. In other situations, it is safe to continue use, but healthcare professionals or patients need to be alerted to the problem.

When a problem poses wider implications or a risk to the health and safety of the community as a whole, we publish an alert on our website and social media channels. You may also see these notices on the news or on other websites. 

These alerts contain the information about whether you need to:

• return a product
• dispose of a product
• be aware of concerns with a product
• make changes or repairs to a product or
• use an alternate product.

If there are no alternate products available, you may be instructed to continue using the product, but to be aware of situations that can cause the problem (for example, a software error that cannot be immediately corrected).

You can see our latest alerts for significant recalls below or search our recall actions database (SARA) for all published recall actions.