How to check your bottle

Compare with the record

Open a recall entry and compare your bottle’s brand, product name, lot or code information, and dates with the product_description and code_info fields. Use the linked FDA record to review the reported details. [1]

Understand FDA classifications

Class I means there is a reasonable probability that use of or exposure to the violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. [2]

Class II means exposure or use may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, or the chance of serious consequences is remote. [2]

Class III means exposure to or use of the violating product is unlikely to cause adverse health consequences. [2]

A market withdrawal involves a minor violation that would not lead to FDA legal action; the firm removes the product or corrects the violation. [2]

Hidden ingredients and missing listings

Hidden ingredients are not listed on a product’s label and often include prescription drug ingredients, banned substances, or harmful chemicals. They can cause serious side effects. [3]

FDA’s health fraud database includes only a small fraction of contaminated or fraudulent products. Absence from that list does not establish that a product is safe. [3]

Report a problem

If you think a supplement caused a serious reaction or illness, FDA says to stop using it immediately and submit a safety report through the Safety Reporting Portal linked on its reporting page. [4]

MedWatch is FDA’s medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients, and consumers. It receives public reports and, when appropriate, publishes safety alerts. [5]