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 17 critical, 33 moderate, and 0 lower-severity recalls. The page references 26 distinct recalling firms operating in 6 distinct product categories, with 34 of 50 records disclosing affected-unit counts. Issuing-agency distribution on this slice leans toward FDA Devices (26), NHTSA (15), 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 Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

RINGLOC BIPOLAR Hip System Bi Polar Locking Ring, Item number 11-165304 - Product Usage: Prosthesis, Hip, Semi-Constrained, Uncemented, Metal / Polymer, Non-Porous, Calcium Phosphate, Prosthesis, Hip, Semi-Constrained, Metal/Polymer, Porous Uncemented, Prosthesis, Hip, Semi-Constrained, Metal/Ceramic/Polymer, Cemented Or Non-Porous, Uncemented, Prosthesis, Hip, Hemi-, Femoral, Metal/Polymer, Cemented Or Uncemented, Prosthesis, Hip, Semi-Constrained, Metal/Polymer, Cemented.

Biomet, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

DePuy Synthes 14.5MM REAMER HEAD FOR RIA 2 STERILE-Orthopedic manual surgical instrument Part Code: 03.404.025S

Synthes (USA) Products LLC

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

Centeze Centesis Catheter, 6F, 10cm, 18Ga, 12cm, REF DRC-002-06 Centeze Centesis Catheter, 6F, 10cm, 18Ga, 12cm, REF DRC-006-16

Galt Medical Corporation

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System, Item numbers 115394, 115395, 115396, 115398, 180550, 180551, 180552, 180553, 180554, 180555, 180556, 180557, 180558, 180559, 180560, 180562 - Product Usage: indicated for use in patients whose shoulder joint has a grossly deficient rotator cuff with severe arthroplasty and/or previously failed shoulder joint replacement with a grossly deficient rotator cuff The patient must anatomically and structurally suited to receive the implants and a functional de

Biomet, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

DABRA Laser (RA-308 Excimer Laser) Intended Use: For use in ablating a channel in occlusive peripheral vascular disease. Indications: For crossing chronic total occlusions in patients with symptomatic infrainguinal lower extremity vascular disease.

Ra Medical Systems, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

4.0/5.0mm Cannulated Screw System, BCS Cannulated Screw System (3.0, 4.0/5.0, 6.5/8.0mm), Item numbers 110009810, 110009821, 110009825, 110009852 - Product Usage: Fracture fixationof small bones, small bone fragements and long bones.

Biomet, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

RINGLOC ACETABULAR SYSTEM Self-tapping bone screws, Item numbers 103531, 103533, 103534, 103535 - Product Usage: Prosthesis, Hip, Semi-Constrained, Metal/Polymer, Cemented; Prosthesis, Hip, Semi-Constrained, Metal/Polymer, Porous Uncemented; Prosthesis, Hip, Semi-Constrained (Metal Uncemented Acetabular Component); Prosthesis, Knee, Patellofemorotibial, Semi-Constrained, Cemented, Polymer/Metal/Polymer.

Biomet, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

DePuy Synthes 11.0MM REAMER HEAD FOR RIA 2 STERILE-Orthopedic manual surgical instrument Part Code: 03.404.018S

Synthes (USA) Products LLC

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

6.5/8.0mm Cannulated Screw System, BCS Cannulated Screw System (3.0, 4.0/5.0, 6.5/8.0mm), Item numbers 110009929, 110009934, 110009935, 110009936, 110009993, 110009994, 110009996, 110009998, 110010000, 110010003, 110010029, 110010030, 110010032, 110010099 - Product Usage: Fracture fixationof small bones, small bone fragements and long bones.

Biomet, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

DePuy Synthes 10.5MM REAMER HEAD FOR RIA 2 STERILE-Orthopedic manual surgical instrument Part Code: 03.404.017S

Synthes (USA) Products LLC

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

Tina-quant C-Reactive Protein Gen.3, Catalog number 05172373190 - Product Usage: the in vitro quantitative determination of CRP in human serum and plasma on Roche automated clinical chemistry analyzers.

Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

RayStation 4, 4.5, 4.7, 4.9, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, RayPlan 1, 2, 7, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, including all service packs. RayStation 10A and RayPlan 10A are also affected, but not the 10A service pack. (Model No. 4.0, 4.5, 4.7, 4.9, 5.0, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 7.0, 8.0, 8.1, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 10.0)

RAYSEARCH LABORATORIES AB

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

DePuy Synthes 10.0MM REAMER HEAD FOR RIA 2, STERILE-Orthopedic manual surgical instrument Part Code: 03.404.016S

Synthes (USA) Products LLC

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

BD PrecisionGlide Needle 30G x 1/2 (0.3 mm X 13mm) REF 305106 - Product Usage: used for general purpose injection and aspiration of fluids from vials, ampoules and parts of the body below the surface of the skin.

Becton Dickinson & Company

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

DePuy Synthes 13.5MM REAMER HEAD FOR RIA 2 STERILE-Orthopedic manual surgical instrument Part Code: 03.404.023S

Synthes (USA) Products LLC

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

DePuy Synthes 15.5MM REAMER HEAD FOR RIA 2 STERILE-Orthopedic manual surgical instrument Part Code: 03.404.027S

Synthes (USA) Products LLC

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

Titanium IFS, Item number 909680 - Product Usage: Bone to bone fixation.

Biomet, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

K-ACT Actalyke Clotting Test Tubes that are used in the: ACTALYKE XL ACTIVATED CLOTTING TIME ANALYZER, and ACTALYKE MINI ACTIVATED CLOTTING TIME TEST SYSTEM.

Helena Laboratories, Corp.

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

Carl Zeiss Meditec Ag VISULENS 550 REF 2268-038 - Product Usage: is a device for measuring the refractive power of contact lenses and spectacle lenses and displaying measurement values for sphere, cylinder and prism.

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

RingLoc+ Quick Connect Drill Bit, Item numbers 31-323215, 31-323220, 31-323230, 31-323240 - Product Usage: Bit, Drill.

Biomet, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

DePuy Synthes 17.5MM REAMER HEAD FOR RIA 2 STERILE-Orthopedic manual surgical instrument Part Code: 03.404.031S

Synthes (USA) Products LLC

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

DePuy Synthes 17.0MM REAMER HEAD FOR RIA 2 STERILE-Orthopedic manual surgical instrument Part Code: 03.404.030S

Synthes (USA) Products LLC

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

RapidFire Clip, Item Number 95-0154 - Product Usage: Fixation of Craniofacial bone.

Biomet, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

Polaris 5.5 Spinal System and Polaris 5.5/Cypher Spinal System, Thoracolumbosacral pedicle screw system

Zimmer Biomet, Inc.

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

DePuy Synthes 18.0MM REAMER HEAD FOR RIA 2 STERILE-Orthopedic manual surgical instrument Part Code: 03.404.032S

Synthes (USA) Products LLC

FDA Devices Moderate Dec 23, 2020

DePuy Synthes 14.0MM REAMER HEAD FOR RIA 2 STERILE-Orthopedic manual surgical instrument Part Code: 03.404.024S

Synthes (USA) Products LLC

CPSC No agency class Dec 23, 2020

GSK Consumer Health Recalls Five Excedrin Brands Due to Failure to Meet Child Resistant Packaging Requirement; Risk of Poisoning

GSK Consumer Healthcare, of Warren, N.J.

CPSC No agency class Dec 23, 2020

King of Fans Recalls Hampton Bay Mara Ceiling Fans Due to Injury Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Home Depot

King of Fans, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

CPSC No agency class Dec 23, 2020

Urban Outfitters Recalls Taper Candle Holders Due to Fire Hazard

NHTSA No agency class Dec 23, 2020

CADILLAC,CHEVROLET,GMC 2020-2021: SEAT BELTS

CADILLAC,CHEVROLET,GMC

NHTSA No agency class Dec 23, 2020

INTERNATIONAL 2014-2021: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE

INTERNATIONAL

USDA FSIS Critical Dec 23, 2020

CLS Gourmet CL Saigon Food Company Recalls Meat Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

CPSC No agency class Dec 22, 2020

BRP Recalls All-Terrain Vehicles Due to Crash Hazard (Recall Alert)

NHTSA No agency class Dec 22, 2020

CHEVROLET 2020: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

CHEVROLET

NHTSA No agency class Dec 21, 2020

FREIGHTLINER 2021: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

FREIGHTLINER

NHTSA No agency class Dec 21, 2020

FREIGHTLINER,MERCEDES-BENZ 2019-2020: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

FREIGHTLINER,MERCEDES-BENZ

NHTSA No agency class Dec 21, 2020

BUICK,CHEVROLET 2010-2013: SUSPENSION:REAR

BUICK,CHEVROLET

USDA FSIS Critical Dec 19, 2020

Nestlé Prepared Foods Recalls Lean Cuisine Baked Chicken Meal Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

USDA FSIS Moderate Dec 19, 2020

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Imported Raw Frozen New Orleans - Roasted Chicken Wings from the Peoples Republic of China

USDA FSIS Critical Dec 19, 2020

Perfect Pasta Inc. Recalls Frozen Meat and Poultry Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

NHTSA No agency class Dec 18, 2020

MERCEDES-BENZ 2019: WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER

MERCEDES-BENZ

CPSC No agency class Dec 17, 2020

Otis Elevator Company Recalls to Inspect Private Residence Elevators Due to Entrapment Hazard; Risk of Serious Injury or Death to Young Children

Otis Elevator Company of Farmington, Ct.

NHTSA No agency class Dec 17, 2020

HONDA 2020-2021: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:DC/DC CONVERTER

HONDA

NHTSA No agency class Dec 17, 2020

FORD 2021: ENGINE

FORD

NHTSA No agency class Dec 17, 2020

LAND ROVER 2020: SEATS

LAND ROVER

NHTSA No agency class Dec 17, 2020

LAND ROVER 2020: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

LAND ROVER

NHTSA No agency class Dec 17, 2020

CHEVROLET,GMC 2019-2021: SEAT BELTS

CHEVROLET,GMC

NHTSA No agency class Dec 17, 2020

FORD 2019-2020: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

FORD

NHTSA No agency class Dec 17, 2020

CADILLAC 2021: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

CADILLAC

NHTSA No agency class Dec 17, 2020

FORD,LINCOLN 2020-2021: ENGINE

FORD,LINCOLN

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.