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 3 critical, 44 moderate, and 3 lower-severity recalls. The page references 30 distinct recalling firms operating in 6 distinct product categories, with 48 of 50 records disclosing affected-unit counts. Issuing-agency distribution on this slice leans toward FDA Devices (35), FDA Drug (8), CPSC (4), 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 Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Nystatin Oral Suspension, USP 100,000 units per mL, Cherry/Peppermint Flavor, 16 fl. oz. (473 mL), Rx only, Pharmaceutical Associates, Inc. Greenville, SC 29605, NDC 0121-0810-16

PAI Holdings, LLC. dba Pharmaceutical Associates Inc

FDA Drug Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Lidocaine Patch 5%, packaged in 30-count cartons, Rx only, Manufactured by: Actavis Laboratories UT, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA, Distributed by: Actavis Pharma, Inc., Parsippany, NJ 07054 USA, NDC 0591-3525-30

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA

FDA Drug Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Heparin Sodium 5,000 units in 0.9% Sodium Chloride 1000 mL bag (5 units/mL), Rx only, SCA Pharmaceuticals 755 Rainbow Rd. Windsor, CT 06095, NDC 70004-0650-46

SCA Pharmaceuticals

FDA Drug Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Ear Pain MD Pain Relief Drops with 4% Lidocaine (lidocaine HCl Monohydrate 4%) 0.5 FL OZ (15 mL) bottles, Eosera, Inc. 5000 South Freeway Fort Worth, TX 76115, NDC 72429-0072-2

Eosera, Inc.

FDA Drug Low Aug 19, 2020

Leucovorin Calcium Tablets USP, 10 mg, Rx only, 24 Tablets per bottle, Distr. by: West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp. Eatontown, NJ 07724, NDC 0054-4497-10

West-Ward Columbus Inc

FDA Drug Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Mibelas 24 Fe (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ferrous fumarate tablets) chewable,1 mg/0.02 mg/75 mg, Rx Only, Provides 24 days of active therapy, Pouch Contains one wallet of 28 tablets, NDC: 68180-911-11, Carton contains 3 wallets of 28 tablets each, NDC: 68180-911-13, Distributed by: Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., MD, 21200, Manufactured by: Lupin Limited, India.

Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc.

FDA Drug Low Aug 19, 2020

Clobetasol Propionate Cream, USP, 0.05%, packaged in a)15g Tubes (NDC 60429-902-15) and b) 45g Tubes (NDC 60429-902-45), Rx Only, Mfd. by: Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc. Brampton, Ontario, Canada, Marketed by: Golden State Medical Supply Inc. Camarillo, CA 93012.

Golden State Medical Supply Inc.

FDA Drug Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Ear Pain MD Pain Relief Drops For Kids (lidocaine HCl Monohydrate 4%) 0.5 FL OZ (15 mL) bottles, Eosera, Inc. 5000 South Freeway Fort Worth, TX 76115, NDC 72429-0070-8

Eosera, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

PERI-LOC TARGETER 4.5MM DISTAL FEMUR, HANDLE, LEFT, NON-STERILE - Product Usage: used for adult and pediatric patients, as well as patients with osteopenic bone. PERI-LOC plates and screws are indicated for fixation of pelvic, small and long bone fractures, including those of the tibia, fibula, femur, pelvis, acetabulum, metacarpals, metatarsals, humerus, ulna, radius, calcaneus and clavicle.

Smith & Nephew, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Verigene Processor SP with assay Luminex, VERIGENE Gram-Negative Blood Culture Nucleic Acid Test, BC-GN, IVD - Product Usage: utilizes a single-use disposable test consumables and a self-contained Verigene Test Cartridge for each sample tested.

Luminex Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Calcaneus Plate, Extensile, Medium, Left, Catalog Number CPF 102 - Product Usage: intended to be used for internal fixation of fractures and reconstruction of bones of the rearfoot, including the calcaneus.

Flower Orthopedics Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Calcaneus Plate, Extensile, Large, Right, Catalog Number CPF 203 - Product Usage: intended to be used for internal fixation of fractures and reconstruction of bones of the rearfoot, including the calcaneus.

Flower Orthopedics Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Anjon Bremer Molded Crown. bone fixation fastener for spinal use. REF number 100048 - Product Usage: Smooth or threaded metallic bone fixation fastener. Provides cervical spine immobilization and therapeutic traction for treatment of patients with cervical trauma or other neck conditions.

Anjon Holdings

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

BRAINLAB Kick 2; Model/catalogue (article) numbers for Kick: 18170; 18070 UDI (GTIN) for Kick: 04056481006655

Brainlab AG

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

STAT KIT Model 550AI Emergency Medical Kit. P/N: 1010830 containing various products to include Narcan Nasal spray, item number 1010300

HF Acquisition Co., LLC

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

STAT KIT Model 550 Emergency Medical Kit P/N: 1009580 containing various products to include Narcan Nasal spray, item number 1010300

HF Acquisition Co., LLC

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Barricaid Annual Closure Device (ACD) BAR-A8-8MM - Product Usage: The Barricaid¿ ACD is indicated for reducing the incidence of reherniation, and reoperation in skeletally mature patients with radiculopathy (with or without back pain) attributed to a posterior or posterolateral herniation, and confirmed by history, physical examination and imaging studies which demonstrate neural compression using MRI to treat a large annular defect (between 4-6 mm tall and between 6-10 mm wide) following a prim

Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

BRAINLAB Curve; Model/catalogue (article) numbers for Curve: 19901; 19901B; 19900; 19905 UDI (GTIN) for Curve: 04056481138011

Brainlab AG

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Screw Removal Case Assembly, Part Number 1985BASE - Product Usage: The Wright Medical hardware removal kit is designed to facilitate removal of both plates and screws used in foot and ankle procedures. Along with a complete range of drivers, the kit also features driver handles and a range of k-wires to assist in removal of cannulated screws. This product is a multiple use, non-sterile instrument.

Wright Medical Technology, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

STAT KIT, Model SM30 ; Emergency Medical Kit P/N: 1008670 containing various products to include Narcan Nasal spray, item number 1010300

HF Acquisition Co., LLC

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Verigene Processor SP with assay: Luminex, VERIGENE Gram-Positive Blood Culture Nucleic Acid Test,BC-GP, IVD - Product Usage: utilizes a single-use disposable test consumables and a self-contained Verigene Test Cartridge for each sample tested.

Luminex Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

OmniTom Computed tomography x-ray system, Model NL5000, all NL5000 systems with software version before 05.01.01 - Product Usage: is intended to be used for x-ray computed tomography applications for anatomy that can be imaged in the 40 cm aperture, primarily head and neck.

NeuroLogica Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

uEXPLORER PET/CT Diagnostic Imaging System - Product Usage: This system is intended to be operated by qualified healthcare professionals to assist in the detection, localization, diagnosis, staging, restaging, treatment planning and treatment response evaluation for diseases and disorders in, but not limit to, oncology, cardiology and neurology.

Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co., Ltd.

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Bioseal Trachea Extender 1/pl 50pk/Cs, REF TRAX01/50, LOT XXXX, STERILE EO, Single Use Only, Date of Manufacture XXXX, Expiration Date XXXX, LF, UDI: (01) 00630094916019 - Product Usage: Airway connectors intended to connect a breathing gas source to a tracheal tube, tracheostomy tube, or mask.

Bioseal Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Cannon II Plus Replacement Hub Set - Product Usage: is indicated for use in the replacement of a Cannon II Plus hub connection assembly that has been damaged.

Arrow International Inc

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Philips HeartStart MRx, Monitor/Defibrillators with model numbers M3535A, M3536A, M3536M, M3536MC, M3536M2, M3536M3, M3536M4, M3536M5, M3536M6, M3536M7, M3536M8, M3536M9 - Product Usage: is intended for use in hospital and pre-hospital settings by qualified medical personnel trained in the operation of the device and qualified by training in basic life support, advanced cardiac life support or defibrillation.

Philips North America, LLC

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Calcaneus Plate, Extensile, Small, Right, Catalog Number CPF 201 - Product Usage: intended to be used for internal fixation of fractures and reconstruction of bones of the rearfoot, including the calcaneus.

Flower Orthopedics Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

STAT KIT Z-1000 emergency medical kit HealthFirst - Product Usage: is intended to prepare physicians with advanced cardiac life support devices and medications to respond to cardiopulmonary medical emergencies until EMS arrives.

HF Acquisition Co. LLC

FDA Devices Low Aug 19, 2020

AVE 2 Birthing Bed - Product Usage: is designated to be used by mothers ready for spontaneous vaginal delivery and also as aid to search for individual positions providing relief in all delivery stages including postpartum period. Birthing bed is not intended for use as a general hospital bed.

Linet Americas

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

VITROS Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Reagent Pack, COV2IgG, VITROS CoV2G. Catalog number 6199919, UDI 10758750033355 - Product Usage: Rx ONLY. For in vitro diagnostic and Laboratory Professional use. For emergency authorization use only.

Ortho Clinical Diagnostics

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

NextStep Retrograde Replacement Hub Set - Product Usage: is indicated for use in the replacement of a NextStep Retrograde hub connection assembly that has been damaged.

Arrow International Inc

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Hardware removal kit, Part Number 1985KIT1 - Product Usage: The Wright Medical hardware removal kit is designed to facilitate removal of both plates and screws used in foot and ankle procedures. Along with a complete range of drivers, the kit also features driver handles and a range of k-wires to assist in removal of cannulated screws. This product is a multiple use, non-sterile instrument.

Wright Medical Technology, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Arrow Single Shot Epidural Anesthesia Kit - Product Usage: The Arrow Blunt Needle Single Shot Epidural Kit permits access to the epidural space.

Arrow International Inc

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Calcaneus Plate, Extensile, Small, Left, Catalog Number CPF 101 - Product Usage: intended to be used for internal fixation of fractures and reconstruction of bones of the rearfoot, including the calcaneus.

Flower Orthopedics Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Holder HKHZ 19 for use with Quadrox-i and Quadrox-iD Neonatal / Pediatric Oxygenators, Model Number: 701047495 - Product Usage: The Holder HKHZ 19 is an accessory to QUADROX i and QUADROX iD Neonatal / Pediatric oxygenator and is being used as a single holder for QUADROX i and QUADROX iD Neonatal / Pediatric Oxygenator and can also be used in combination with the holder's arm (016061) to use in cardiopulmonary bypass procedures (CPB) in a pediatric patient population.

Maquet Cardiovascular Us Sales, Llc

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

HealthFirst Emergency Medical Kit, Model SM 7, P/N: 1008150; Manufactured by HF Acquisition Co. LLC, 11629 49th Place West/Mukilteo, WA 98275, HealthFirst.com; Store at Room Temperature. 9036-2v.5 08/2017 containing various products to include Narcan Nasal spray, item number 1010300

HF Acquisition Co., LLC

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Calcaneus Plate, Extensile, Medium, Right, Catalog Number CPF 202 - Product Usage: intended to be used for internal fixation of fractures and reconstruction of bones of the rearfoot, including the calcaneus.

Flower Orthopedics Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

VITROS Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total Reagent, COV2TOT, VITROS CoV2T. Catalog number 6199922, UDI 10758750033386 - Product Usage: Rx ONLY. For in vitro diagnostic and Laboratory Professional use. For emergency authorization use only.

Ortho Clinical Diagnostics

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Arrow TheraCath Epidural Catheter - Product Usage: The Arrow Epidural Catheter permits access to the epidural space.

Arrow International Inc

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

uMI 550 PET/CT Diagnostic Imaging System - Product Usage: This system is intended to be operated by qualified healthcare professionals to assist in the detection, localization, diagnosis, staging, restaging, treatment planning and treatment response evaluation for diseases and disorders in, but not limit to, oncology, cardiology and neurology.

Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co., Ltd.

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Tibial knee prosthesis

Smith & Nephew, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Proteus 235 The Proton Therapy System - Proteus 235 (brand names: Proteus Plus and Proteus ONE) is a medical device designed to produce and deliver a proton beam for the treatment of patients with localized tumors and other conditions susceptible to treatment by radiation.

Ion Beam Applications S.A.

FDA Devices Moderate Aug 19, 2020

Calcaneus Plate, Extensile, Large, Left, Catalog Number CPF 103 - Product Usage: intended to be used for internal fixation of fractures and reconstruction of bones of the rearfoot, including the calcaneus.

Flower Orthopedics Corporation

CPSC No agency class Aug 19, 2020

Hasbro Recalls Super Soaker XP 20 and XP 30 Water Blasters Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban; Sold Exclusively at Target

Hasbro, Inc., of Pawtucket, R.I.

CPSC No agency class Aug 19, 2020

Lithonia Lighting Recalls to Repair CFMK Surface Mount Brackets Used with CPANL LEDs Due to Impact Hazard

Lithonia Lighting, a division of Acuity Brands Lighting Inc., of Conyers, Ga.

CPSC No agency class Aug 19, 2020

Pier 1 Recalls Three-Wick Halloween Candles Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

CPSC No agency class Aug 19, 2020

Signature Hardware Recalls Medicine Cabinets Due to Injury Hazard

NHTSA No agency class Aug 18, 2020

BMW,MINI 2020-2021: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

BMW,MINI

NHTSA No agency class Aug 18, 2020

CHEVROLET 2020: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

CHEVROLET

USDA FSIS Critical Aug 18, 2020

Faribault Foods Inc. Recalls Canned Soup Product Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Faribault Foods, Inc.

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.