What to do if you have recalled food at home

Updated November 2, 2026 · By the PantryRecall team

Finding a recalled product in your kitchen is common and usually not an emergency. Most people who have eaten a recalled food do not get sick. These steps help you act calmly and correctly.

1. Confirm it is really the recalled product

Recalls usually cover specific lots, not every package of a brand. Compare the brand name, product name, package size, UPC (the 12-digit barcode number), lot code and “best by” or “use by” date with the official notice. If any detail does not match, your package is most likely not part of the recall. See our guide on reading lot codes if the numbers are confusing.

2. Do not eat it, even if it looks and smells fine

Bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella do not change how food looks, smells or tastes. Cooking can kill some bacteria, but recall notices ask you not to eat the product at all, and the risk from allergens or foreign objects does not go away with cooking.

3. Throw it away or return it

• Follow the instructions in the notice. Most say to return the product to the store for a full refund, or to throw it away.
• Many stores refund recalled items without a receipt. Taking a photo of the label before you throw the product away helps if you need proof later.
• Seal the product in a bag before putting it in the trash so pets and wildlife cannot reach it.
• Do not donate recalled food to a food bank.

4. Clean what it touched

For recalls caused by Listeria, Salmonella or E. coli, clean the shelves, drawers and containers that held the product. Wash removable parts with hot, soapy water, rinse, and dry. Wipe the inside of the fridge, including the walls and door seals. Wash your hands after handling the product. Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures, so this step matters most for ready-to-eat foods like deli meats, soft cheeses and cut fruit.

5. If you already ate some

Watch for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if you feel sick, especially if you are pregnant, over 65, or have a weakened immune system. Tell them which product you ate and when. For allergen recalls, people with the allergy should follow their allergy action plan. Our guide to Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli explains typical symptoms and timing.

6. Report problems

You can report an illness or a problem with an FDA-regulated food through the FDA Safety Reporting Portal or by calling an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in your state. For meat, poultry and processed egg products, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.