PlainRecalls

2020 Recall Year Insight

Federal agencies issued 6,048 product recalls indexed by PlainRecalls in calendar year 2020. That represents about 5.79% of the 104,423 total recalls we track from 1995 through the present, and averages roughly 16.6 recalls per day across the FDA, CPSC, USDA FSIS, and NHTSA combined. Year-level views are the cleanest way to see macro patterns: volume spikes often correlate with new regulatory priorities (e.g., infant-sleep products after 2021, lithium-ion batteries after 2022), supply-chain contamination events, or changes in agency enforcement intensity, while quiet years can reflect either genuine product-safety improvements or reduced agency staffing and reporting lag. With 121 pages at 50 recalls each, browsing this year end-to-end gives a statistically representative sample of what the federal recall pipeline looked like in 2020.

On this page of 50 records, severity classification shows 9 critical, 38 moderate, and 3 lower-severity recalls. The page references 24 distinct recalling firms operating in 7 distinct product categories, with 45 of 50 records disclosing affected-unit counts. Issuing-agency distribution on this slice leans toward FDA Devices (30), FDA Drug (10), CPSC (5), which matters because each agency's recall authority, hazard framing, and remedy mechanism differ, an FDA food recall, a CPSC consumer-product recall, and a NHTSA vehicle recall are legally distinct instruments even when the underlying hazard language sounds similar. Reviewing the dominant agency for a given year is one of the fastest ways to understand where federal attention was concentrated.

Year-indexed browsing serves three practical purposes: historical research (tracking how a hazard class evolved over time), consumer action (finding whether a product purchased in 2020 was later recalled), and journalistic or regulatory context (understanding what the enforcement landscape looked like in a given period). Every record on this page links to a full detail view with the hazard, remedy, distribution, and agency-assigned recall number, always use that recall number to verify current status directly with the issuing agency before acting on time-sensitive remedies, because agencies amend, terminate, and expand recalls in the months and years after initial publication. Data on this page reflects federal agency public filings; the agency's live record remains authoritative for legal, medical, or safety decisions. Verify with FDA openFDA, CPSC, USDA FSIS, or NHTSA for the system-of-record on any specific recall. PlainRecalls indexes this archive for research and consumer awareness purposes.

FDA Drug Critical Sep 23, 2020

BORN BASIC., ANTI-BAC HAND SANITIZER, 70% Alcohol, (Ethyl Alcohol 70%), 16.9 FL OZ (500 mL) bottle, UPC 8 40038 21456 3, Made in Mexico; Distributed by Scent Theory Products, LLC, New York, NY 10018.

Real Clean Distribuciones SA de CV

FDA Drug Moderate Sep 23, 2020

LUX EOI Hand Sanitizing Gel, (Ethyl Alcohol 70%), (16.9 FL OZ) 500mL bottle, Distributed by: Procurement Services, LLC Nashville, TN 37215, Product of Mexico. NDC 74882-007-02

Real Clean Distribuciones SA de CV

FDA Drug Moderate Sep 23, 2020

BORN BASIC., ANTI-BAC HAND SANITIZER, 70% Alcohol, (Ethyl Alcohol 70%), packaged as a) 9.5 FL OZ (280 mL) bottle, UPC 8 40038 21462 4: b) 16.9 FL OZ (500 mL) bottle, UPC 8 40038 21456 3; and c) 34 FL OZ (1L) bottle, UPC 8 40038 21447 1; Made in Mexico; Distributed by Scent Theory Products, LLC, New York, NY 10018.

Real Clean Distribuciones SA de CV

FDA Drug Moderate Sep 23, 2020

WP Thyroid, Westhroid Pure, 1.75 Grain (113.75 mg) Thyroid USP, packaged in a) 1,000 Tablets, NDC 64727-6150-2 ; b) 30 Tablets, NDC 64727-6150-4; c) 60 Tablets, NDC 64727-6150-5; d) 90 Tablets, NDC 64727-6150-6; e) 100 Tablets, NDC 64727-6150-1; Rx only, Manufactured by: RLC Labs Phoenix, AZ 85034

RLC Labs Inc.

FDA Drug Critical Sep 23, 2020

Nature Throid, 1/2 Grain (32.5 mg) Thyroid USP [Liothyronine (T3) 4.5 mcg, Levothyroxine (T4) 19 mcg], packaged in a) 90-count bottles (NDC 64727-3299-6), b) 100-count bottles (NDC 64727-3299-1), Rx only, Manufactured by: RLC Labs Phoenix, AZ 85034

RLC Labs Inc.

FDA Drug Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Nature-Throid, Thyroid USP [liothyronine (T3) 18 mcg and levothyroxine (T4) 76 mcg], 2 Grain (130 mg) Tablets, packaged in a) 30-count bottles, NDC 64727-3308-4; b) 60-count bottles, NDC 64727-3308-5; c) 90-count bottles, NDC 64727-3308-6; d) 100-count bottles, NDC 64727-3308-1; and e) 1,000-count bottles, NDC 64727-3308-2; Rx only, Manufactured by: RLC Labs Phoenix, AZ 85034.

RLC Labs Inc.

FDA Drug Moderate Sep 23, 2020

WP Thyroid, Westhroid Pure, 1.5 Grain (97.5 mg) Thyroid USP packaged in a) 1,000 Tablets, NDC 64727-5850-2 ; b) 30 Tablets, NDC 64727-5850-4; c) 60 Tablets, NDC 64727-5850-5; d) 90 Tablets, NDC 64727-5850-6; e) 100 Tablets, NDC 64727-5850-1; Rx only, Manufactured by: RLC Labs Phoenix, AZ 85034

RLC Labs Inc.

FDA Drug Critical Sep 23, 2020

Nature Throid, 2 Grain (130 mg) Thyroid USP [Liothyronine (T3) 18 mcg, Levothyroxine (T4) 76 mcg], packaged in a) 30-count bottles (NDC 64727-3308-4) and b)100-count bottles (NDC 64727-3308-1), Rx only, Manufactured by: RLC Labs Phoenix, AZ 85024

RLC Labs Inc.

FDA Drug Critical Sep 23, 2020

Nature Throid, 3/4 Grain (48.75 mg) Thyroid USP [Liothyronine (T3) 6.75 mcg, Levothyroxine (T4) 28.5 mcg], packaged in a) 100-count bottles (NDC 64727-3302-1) and b) 1000-count bottles (NDC 64727-3302-2), Rx only, Manufactured by: RLC Labs Phoenix, AZ 85034

RLC Labs Inc.

FDA Drug Moderate Sep 23, 2020

scent theory KEEP IT CLEAN, pure clean,(Ethyl Alcohol 70%), 16.9 FL OZ/500 mL, Distributed by Scent Theory Products, LLC New York, NY 10018, Made in Mexico, UPC 8 40038 21434 1

Real Clean Distribuciones SA de CV

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Tosoh Bioscience AIA-PACK BHCG Calibration Verification Test Set-In Vitro Diagnostic for BHCG-pregnancy Part number: 020661 The AIA-Pack BHCG Calibrator Set is intended for IN VITRO DIAGNOSTIC USE ONLY for the calibration of the ST AIA-PACK BHCG assay

Tosoh Bioscience Inc

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Imactis Patient Fiducial (Patient Referential), REF: IHR-YY-XXX component used in conjunction with the ImactisCT-Navigation Workstation (REF J02000/J00180)

Imactis

FDA Devices Low Sep 23, 2020

Maquet/Getinge Rotaflow System Console US (115 V / 60 Hz) - Product Usage: Instructions for Use - Centrifugal Pump System is a device that uses a method other than revolving rollers to pump the blood through an extracorporeal circuit Material Number: 701043292

Maquet Cardiovascular Us Sales, Llc

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

The TaqPath RT-PCR COVID-19 Kit with Applied Biosystem's COVID-19 Interpretive Software v2.0 or v2.2 (used with the QuantStudio Real-Time PCR platforms), includes the assays and controls for a multiplex real-time RT-PCR test for the qualitative detection of RNA from SARS-CoV-2 in upper respiratory specimens and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens from individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider. The test is interpreted by COVID-19 Interpretive Software

Life Technologies Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Integra Padgett Dermatome Set - Product Usage: are intended for use in the cutting of skin grafts for use in plastic surgery and/or burn treatment. These instruments are intended only for professional use in hospitals and similar medical facilities, where the patient will be under the supervision of trained personnel.

Integra LifeSciences Corp.

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Lactate Dehydrognease P-L, (UV), Catalog Number LD3818 - Product Usage: device intended for the quantitative in vitro determination of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD) activity in serum and plasma. This product is suitable for use on the RX series instruments which includes the RX daytona and RX imola.

Randox Laboratories Ltd.

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Lactate Dehydrogenase L-P, (LDH) (NAO), Catalog Number LD3842 - Product Usage: device intended for the quantitative in vitro determination of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD) activity in serum and plasma. This product is suitable for use on the RX series instruments which includes the RX daytona and RX imola.

Randox Laboratories Ltd.

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

13 ft Handpiece Cable, component of the Dermatome Sets Model S and Model S6 and also as a spare part - Product Usage: are intended for use in the cutting of skin grafts for use in plastic surgery and/or burn treatment. These instruments are intended only for professional use in hospitals and similar medical facilities, where the patient will be under the supervision of trained personnel.

Integra LifeSciences Corp.

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Zenith Alpha Abdominal Endovascular Graft - Distributed OUS only. Indicated for the endovascular treatment of patients with abdominal aortic or aorto-iliac aneurysms Reference Part Number (RPN): ZIMB-22-108 ZIMB-22-118 ZIMB-22-128 ZIMB-22-70 ZIMB-22-84 ZIMB-22-98 ZIMB-24-108 ZIMB-24-118 ZIMB-24-128 ZIMB-24-70 ZIMB-24-84 ZIMB-24-98 ZIMB-26-108 ZIMB-26-118 ZIMB-26-128 ZIMB-26-70 ZIMB-26-84 ZIMB-26-98 ZIMB-28-108 ZIMB-28-118 ZIMB-28-128 ZIMB-28-70 ZIMB-28-84 ZIMB-28-98

Cook Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

AVANOS MIC-KEY SF Gastrostomy Feeding Tube

Avanos Medical, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Tosoh Bioscience AIA- PACK HCG Calibrator Set-In Vitro Diagnostic for BHCG Part number 020361 The AIA-Pack BHCG Calibrator Set is intended for IN VITRO DIAGNOSTIC USE ONLY for the calibration of the ST AIA-PACK BHCG assay

Tosoh Bioscience Inc

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Terumo Advanced Perfusion System 1 Ultrasonic Air Sensor 1/4x3/32, Catalog Number 5791 - Product Usage: intended for use with Terumo and Sarns brand air detection and heart-lung systems to detect gross air bubbles in the line during extracorporeal procedures.

Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Accelerator a3600 system with Sysmex XN-9000/XN-9100 Interface Module (dual robot) FLX-290-10; FLX-290-20 and Track to Rack Module FLX-295-10- Intended Clinical Chemistry Test Systems - Product Usage: The FlexLab 3.6 Automation is a modular system designed to automate Pre-Analytical and Post-Analytical processing, sample handling in order to automate sample processing in the Laboratory. The system consolidates analytical instruments, such as the ARCHITECT c8000 System into a unified workstation

Inpeco S.A.

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Aptio Automation systems with Sysmex XN-9000/XN-9100 Interface Module (dual robot) FLX-290-10; FLX-290-20 and Track to Rack Module FLX-295-10- Intended Clinical Chemistry Test Systems - Product Usage: The FlexLab 3.6 Automation is a modular system designed to automate Pre-Analytical and Post-Analytical processing, sample handling in order to automate sample processing in the Laboratory. The system consolidates analytical instruments, such as the ARCHITECT c8000 System into a unified workstation

Inpeco S.A.

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Siemens epoc BGEM Test Card-In vitro diagnostic device for the quantitative testing of samples of heparinized or un-anticoagulated arterial, venous or capillary whole blood in the laboratory or at the point of care SMN#/Model #: 10736382

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

The Guardian Connect App CSS7200 iOS - Product Usage: intended for use by patients with a compatible consumer mobile device.

Medtronic Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Integra Padgett Electric Dermatome Set - Product Usage: are intended for use in the cutting of skin grafts for use in plastic surgery and/or burn treatment. These instruments are intended only for professional use in hospitals and similar medical facilities, where the patient will be under the supervision of trained personnel.

Integra LifeSciences Corp.

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Terumo Advanced Perfusion System 1 Ultrasonic Air Sensor 3/8x3/32, Catalog Number 5773 - Product Usage: intended for use with Terumo and Sarns brand air detection and heart-lung systems to detect gross air bubbles in the line during extracorporeal procedures.

Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

PrimeStore Molecular Transport Medium (PS-MTM), Model Numbers LH-1-2, LH-1-3, LH-1-4, LH-1-5, LH-1-5CC, LH-1-15CC - Product Usage: intended for stabilization, transportation, and inactivation of infectious unprocessed nasal washes, nasopharyngeal, oral/throat swabs* suspected of containing Influenza A virus RNA. PS-MTM is also intended for the stabilization, transportation, and inactivation of infectious unprocessed sputum samples suspected of containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) DNA from

LONGHORN VACCINES AND DIAGNOSTIC

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

NovaPACS Diagnostic Viewer. NovaPACS is a picture archiving and communication system software that retrieves, distributes, and display images and data from different modalities including CT, MR, US, CR/DX, NM, PT, and XA.

Novarad Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

AM1015 Randox Ammonia (NH3), Enzymatic UV Method For the quantitative in vitro determination of Ammonia in plasma

RANDOX LABORATORIES, LTD.

FDA Devices Low Sep 23, 2020

Model No:T-SPOT.TB8, Catalogue No.: TB.300; UDI: 1505171600030 - Product Usage: intended for use as an aid in the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by detecting effector T cells that respond to stimulation by M. tuberculosis antigens ESAT-6 and CFP10, and capturing interferon-gamma in the vicinity of these cells.

Oxford Immunotec

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

The TaqPath RT-PCR COVID-19 Kit with Applied Biosystem's COVID-19 Interpretive Software v1.2 for 7500 RTPCR instruments, includes the assays and controls for a multiplex real-time RT-PCR test for the qualitative detection of RNA from SARS-CoV-2 in upper respiratory specimens and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens from individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider. The test is interpreted by COVID-19 Interpretive Software

Life Technologies Corporation

FDA Devices Low Sep 23, 2020

Model No:T-SPOT.TB50, Catalogue No.: TB.50; UDI: 1505171600004 - Product Usage: intended for use as an aid in the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by detecting effector T cells that respond to stimulation by M. tuberculosis antigens ESAT-6 and CFP10, and capturing interferon-gamma in the vicinity of these cells.

Oxford Immunotec

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Elecsys Anti-TPO Assay on cobas e analyzers 411, 601, 602, Catalog Number 06368590190

Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

FlexLab (FLX) with Sysmex XN-9000/XN-9100 Interface Module (dual robot) FLX-290-10; FLX-290-20 and Track to Rack Module FLX-295-10- Intended Laboratory Automation system - Product Usage: The FlexLab 3.6 Automation is a modular system designed to automate Pre-Analytical and Post-Analytical processing, sample handling in order to automate sample processing in the Laboratory. The system consolidates analytical instruments, such as the ARCHITECT c8000 System into a unified workstation that perfor

Inpeco S.A.

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Terumo Advanced Perfusion System 1 Ultrasonic Air Sensor 1/4x1/16 UAS BLK, Catalog Number 5785 - Product Usage: intended for use with Terumo and Sarns brand air detection and heart-lung systems to detect gross air bubbles in the line during extracorporeal procedures.

Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

AM1054 Randox Ammonia (NH3), Enzymatic UV Method For the quantitative in vitro determination of Ammonia in plasma

RANDOX LABORATORIES, LTD.

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

WallFlexTM Biliary RX Fully Covered Stent System RMV (10mmx60mm Stent) UPN: M00570370 - Product Usage: is indicated for use in the palliative treatment of biliary strictures produced by malignant neoplasms and relief of malignant biliary obstruction prior to surgery.

Boston Scientific Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Sep 23, 2020

Cook Medical Universa Soft Ureteral Stent Sets-5 FR 26 cm Reference part Number: UFH-526 - Product Usage: Used for temporary internal drainage from the ureteropelvic junction to the bladder

Cook Inc.

CPSC No agency class Sep 23, 2020

Caravan Global Recalls Chairs Due to Fall and Injury Hazards; Sold Exclusively at H-E-B Stores

CPSC No agency class Sep 23, 2020

Kobalt Cordless Electric Chainsaws Sold Exclusively at Lowe's Stores Recalled Due to Laceration Hazard; Distributed by Hongkong Sun Rise Trading

Changzhou Globe Co. Ltd., of China

CPSC No agency class Sep 23, 2020

Kobalt Cordless Electric Pole Saws Sold Exclusively at Lowe's Stores Recalled Due to Laceration Hazard; Distributed by Hongkong Sun Rise Trading

Changzhou Globe Co. Ltd., of China

CPSC No agency class Sep 23, 2020

Pedego Recalls Electric Bikes Due to Fall Hazard

CPSC No agency class Sep 23, 2020

Specialized Bicycle Components Recalls Sirrus Bicycles with Alloy Cranks Due to Fall and Injury Hazards

NHTSA No agency class Sep 23, 2020

VOLKSWAGEN 2020: SEAT BELTS

VOLKSWAGEN

NHTSA No agency class Sep 23, 2020

FORD 2019: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

FORD

NHTSA No agency class Sep 23, 2020

FORD,LINCOLN 2020: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

FORD,LINCOLN

NHTSA No agency class Sep 23, 2020

FORD 2020: SEAT BELTS

FORD

NHTSA No agency class Sep 23, 2020

FORD 2020: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

FORD

Nearby Recall Years

Browse recalls from adjacent calendar years to see how federal enforcement volume has shifted over time.

Compare 2020 with 2019 →

Data Sources

  • Source: FDA openFDA Enforcement API - calendar-year recall filings for food, drugs, and devices
  • Source: USDA FSIS Recalls - calendar-year meat, poultry, and processed egg product recall filings
  • Source: CPSC + NHTSA - consumer product and vehicle recall feeds for 2020

Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC, USDA FSIS and NHTSA recall records; no number is typed in by an editor. Figures cover calendar year 2020 across the FDA, CPSC, USDA FSIS and NHTSA federal recall feeds. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of September 2026.