14 Products That Got Recalled After Public Outcry
These 14 products were officially recalled after people raised serious safety concerns that led to public pressure and investigations.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Product recalls happen when safety risks are confirmed and public pressure becomes too strong to ignore. In each of these 14 cases, real harm or danger to users was reported, leading to formal recalls by companies or government agencies. The recalls show how public response can influence product safety decisions.
1. Peloton Tread+
Larry D. Moore on Wikimedia Commons
The Peloton Tread+ was recalled in May 2021 after multiple reports of injuries and one child’s death. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found the treadmill’s design allowed small children and pets to be pulled underneath while it was running. Over 70 incidents were reported before the recall was issued. Peloton paused sales, redesigned the product, and added safety measures.
2. Johnson’s Baby Powder
Canadian Nurses’ Association on Wikiemdia Commons
In 2020, Johnson & Johnson recalled its talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada. This came after concerns about asbestos contamination and a possible link to ovarian cancer. Thousands of lawsuits were filed by users who claimed long-term use led to serious health problems. Independent tests also found traces of asbestos in some batches, prompting the recall.
3. Samsung Galaxy Note 7
Pang Kakit on Wikimedia Commons
Samsung recalled the Galaxy Note 7 in 2016 due to batteries that overheated and caught fire. There were at least 92 cases of batteries overheating in the U.S. alone, including 26 burns and 55 incidents of property damage. Airlines banned the device, and Samsung permanently discontinued the model. The company later created an eight-point battery safety check for future phones.
4. Fisher-Price Rock ’n Play Sleeper
Mattel on Wikimedia Commons
The Rock ’n Play Sleeper was recalled in 2019 after being linked to over 30 infant deaths. The design let babies sleep at an incline, which was later found to increase the risk of suffocation. The American Academy of Pediatrics called for an immediate recall. Fisher-Price stopped selling the product and worked with regulators to issue a warning to parents.
5. Toyota Floor Mats and Pedals
Dietmar Rabich on Wikimedia Commons
Toyota recalled over nine million vehicles between 2009 and 2011 due to sudden acceleration caused by floor mats and faulty pedals. The gas pedals could get stuck or trapped under the mats, leading to fatal accidents. One incident involving a family of four in California helped bring national attention to the issue. Toyota made mechanical changes and added brake override systems in recalled vehicles.
6. Peanut Corporation of America Products
Joshua H. on Wikimedia Commons
In 2009, a major salmonella outbreak was traced to peanut products made by the Peanut Corporation of America. The outbreak caused nine deaths and sickened over 700 people. Investigations revealed that the company knowingly shipped products contaminated with salmonella. The company filed for bankruptcy, and its CEO was sentenced to 28 years in prison.
7. Mattel Toys with Lead Paint
호셔줘아요리호나 on Wikimedia Commons
Mattel recalled over 18 million toys in 2007 due to the use of lead-based paint, which is harmful to children. Many of the toys were made in China and failed to meet U.S. safety standards. The company issued multiple recalls and improved its testing procedures. It also increased oversight of suppliers to prevent future safety violations.
8. Blue Bell Ice Cream
Phillip Pessar on Wikimedia Commons
Blue Bell recalled all its products in 2015 after listeria was found in several flavors. The bacteria caused three deaths and several hospitalizations. The source was traced to contamination in the company’s Texas production facility. Blue Bell shut down its plants, cleaned equipment, and slowly reintroduced products after upgrading safety protocols.
9. Hoverboards
Soar Boards on Wikimedia Commons
In 2016, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled over 500,000 hoverboards from various brands. Many models had battery defects that caused fires during charging or use. Over 60 incidents were reported, including house fires and injuries. The recall included instructions to return or replace affected units with safer batteries.
10. Easy-Bake Ovens
Bradross63 on WIkimedia Commons
Hasbro recalled almost one million Easy-Bake Ovens in 2007 due to a design flaw that allowed children’s fingers to get stuck. More than 200 injury reports were filed, including serious burns. Some children required surgery after getting their fingers trapped. Hasbro redesigned the oven door and offered repairs or refunds.
11. IKEA Malm Dressers
Ikea almhult on Wikimedia Commons
IKEA recalled nearly 30 million Malm dressers in 2016 after several children died when the furniture tipped over. The dressers were unstable if not anchored to the wall. The company initially offered wall-anchoring kits but later expanded the recall. It offered full refunds or replacements to customers who owned affected models.
12. Chipotle Mexican Grill Food
Jazz Guy on Wikimedia Commons
Chipotle experienced multiple foodborne illness outbreaks from 2015 to 2018. Incidents included E. coli, norovirus, and salmonella across various locations. Hundreds of people became ill, and several lawsuits were filed. The company later updated food handling procedures and added employee training on hygiene.
13. Ford Pinto
Morven on Wikimedia Commons
The Ford Pinto was recalled in 1978 due to a design flaw that made the gas tank prone to exploding in rear-end collisions. Reports revealed the company was aware of the issue but delayed fixing it due to cost concerns. The recall followed public outcry and pressure from the government. Ford eventually redesigned the fuel system and paid settlements to victims.
14. Similac Baby Formula
ajay_suresh on Wikimedia Commons
In 2022, Abbott Nutrition recalled Similac formula after four babies became sick and two died from bacterial infections. Tests showed contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii at a Michigan plant. The FDA launched an investigation, and production was temporarily halted. The company increased cleaning and safety controls before restarting operations.