Food recalls can be a real headache. One moment, you're enjoying your favorite snack, and the next, it's on a recall list for something dangerous. You might be asking yourself, "Do I just throw it away, or should I try to get my money back?"
Here's the deal: you're entitled to a refund when a company sells you a recalled product.
In this guide on how to claim a refund for recalled food, we'll break down the process step-by-step, using real-world examples to show you exactly how to get your money back.
Key takeaways:
- You're allowed a refund for recalled food: When a product is recalled, you're eligible for a refund. Even if you don't have a receipt, many stores will refund recalled items.
- Act quickly to avoid issues: It's crucial to act fast when a recall occurs. Delaying could result in forgotten details or accidental consumption. Most retailers will offer a refund, but handling it early ensures a smoother process.
- Keep evidence for a refund: Always keep proof of the product, such as a photo of the label or UPC, especially if you throw the item away. This helps make the refund process easier, especially if you no longer have the product.
- Consider all compensation options: A refund is just the beginning. If you've been affected by a recall, keep all documentation in case a class action or further compensation opportunities arise.
- Let Settlemate handle the process: Don't worry about navigating recalls or settlement opportunities alone. Settlemate takes the hassle out of the process. Share a few details and your proof, and Settlemate will manage everything for you.
What is a food recall?
A food recall occurs when a product poses a health risk, such as bacterial contamination, undeclared allergens, or foreign objects. The FDA, USDA, or manufacturers issue recalls to protect public health and prevent serious harm.
Recalls vary in severity:
- Class I: High risk - serious health consequences or death.
- Class II: Moderate risk - temporary or medically reversible health problems.
- Class III: Low risk - not likely to cause health problems but may violate regulations.
Food recalls are more common and more serious than ever, making it highly necessary to know your consumer rights. In 2024 alone, there were 296 food recalls in the U.S. (FDA + USDA), a slight decrease from 2023.
But the impact worsened: 1,392 people got sick from recalled food in 2024 (up from 1,118 in 2023), with 487 hospitalizations and 19 deaths, more than double the prior year.
These numbers are a wake-up call: contaminated food can and does harm consumers, and recalls are the safety net to pull dangerous products off shelves.
Why foods get recalled
Food recalls happen when something goes wrong during the production process, often due to lapses in safety or quality control.
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Here are some of the most common causes:
- Bacterial contamination: Pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria are serious health risks and are among the top reasons for recalls.
- Undeclared allergens: Missing allergens, such as milk, peanuts, or soy, can lead to severe allergic reactions, even for those who have no idea they're at risk.
- Foreign objects: Items like metal, plastic, or glass fragments can end up in food products, posing choking and injury hazards.
- Improper storage or labeling errors: Mistakes in handling or packaging can lead to contamination or confusion about expiration dates.
In 2024, the FDA reported an 8% rise in food and beverage recalls to 241, while USDA recalls dropped 38% to 55. This suggests that the total number of food recalls in 2024 was approximately 296.
Recent high-profile food recalls
Examples from 2024–2025 show how refunds and recalls unfold in practice. Here are a few high-profile recalls:
- Boar's Head Deli Meats (July 2024): The FDA recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meats due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This outbreak tragically caused 61 illnesses and 10 deaths. Consumers were "advised to discard any recalled products or return them to the store where purchased for a full refund," per the recall notice.
- August Egg Company Shell Eggs (June 2025): A Salmonella outbreak linked to cage-free eggs sickened 134 people in 10 states (38 hospitalized, one death). The company quickly recalled all potentially affected eggs. The recall urged consumers to check their fridge and return the eggs to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- Tri-Union Canned Tuna (February 2025): A packaging defect prompted a voluntary recall of certain canned tunas sold at Walmart, Trader Joe's, Kroger, Costco, Publix, and other stores, due to the risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination. Although no illnesses were reported, the risk was severe. The recall announcement made it clear: stop eating the tuna and return any unused cans to the retailer for a full refund, or safely dispose of them.
- Trader Joe's Cookies and More (Multiple 2023–2025): Trader Joe's has had several recalls recently – from metal fragments in cookies to unlabeled allergens. Their notices always say some version of: "We urge you to discard the product or return it to any Trader Joe's for a full refund."
Step-by-step: How to claim a refund for recalled food
Claiming a refund for a recalled food item is usually straightforward, but you need to approach it methodically.
Here's how to take action:
Step 1: Verify that your product is actually recalled
Don't panic over vague social media rumors - get the facts. Check the official recall notice for details like brand, product name, lot codes, "best by" dates, and UPCs.
Recalled products are concrete - if all the details on your item don't match the notice, it might not be part of the recall.
You can find recall info on:
- FoodSafety.gov,
- FDA.gov,
- USDA's FSIS,
- or sometimes retailer sites.
Compare your package's codes to the recall announcement.
Step 2: Stop using the product immediately
This sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised - some folks think "maybe just one more serving won't hurt."
Don't consume recalled food, even if no one has gotten sick from your batch yet. Eating it isn't worth the risk of food poisoning, allergic reaction, or worse.
Set the item aside safely so no one else in your household accidentally eats it. If it's already opened, bag it or contain it to avoid contaminating surfaces.
Step 3: Decide whether to return or dispose of the item
Most recall notices give you two options:
- "Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund."
- "Dispose of it according to instructions."
For shelf-stable items (canned goods, packaged snacks) or things that aren't immediately hazardous to handle, returning to the store is best, because you'll get your refund on the spot.
If the item is perishable and potentially contaminated (like raw chicken with Salmonella), the health department might prefer you dispose of it at home to avoid spreading bacteria during transport. The recall notice will usually say something like "throw it away or return it for a refund".
Follow any special disposal steps given (for example, wrap it securely so animals can't get it, etc.). If you do throw it out, make a note of the lot code or take a photo of the package, since this can serve as proof if needed for your refund.
Step 4: Return the product (if applicable) and request your refund
If you opt to return, take the product to the retailer where you bought it. Go straight to the Customer Service desk and explain that the item is on the recall list.
You typically do not need a receipt for recalled food returns - stores understand it's an exceptional situation.
Many stores will issue a refund for recalled items, even if they're partially used, with no receipt required.
However, if you have already thrown the item away, a receipt would help as proof.
Be polite but firm: say "This product was recalled, and I'd like to return it for a refund as instructed by the recall notice."
The staff should be well aware of the recall; if not, mention that it's an FDA or USDA recall and that the store is presumably participating in removing the product.
Step 5: Ask about refund options if you no longer have the item
If you had to dispose of the food (or already consumed it), you can still go to the store (or call them) and request a refund.
Bring any evidence you have: a receipt, a loyalty account transaction record, a photo of the item before you trashed it, etc.
Many retailers will still honor a refund request in goodwill, especially if the recall is well-publicized. They might process it as a no-receipt return or give you store credit if they can't verify the price.
According to consumer rights attorneys, in a recall, you usually can request a refund even without physical proof, because it's a safety issue.
The worst-case scenario: contact the product manufacturer's consumer hotline (recall notices always provide one). The company may send you a coupon or reimbursement directly if you explain that you disposed of the item for safety.
Step 6: Follow any health and safety instructions
Refunds aside, your safety comes first. If the recall involves microbial contamination (bacteria like Listeria, E. coli, Salmonella), clean any surfaces that the food touched.
The CDC recommends washing countertops, fridge shelves, cutting boards, and utensils with hot soapy water, then sanitizing with a bleach solution.
If it were an allergen recall (e.g., peanut found in a product that shouldn't have it), wash everything to avoid cross-contact and keep it away from allergic household members.
And if anyone in your home did consume the product before the recall, monitor for symptoms (stomach cramps, fever, etc.) and contact a healthcare provider if illness develops.
Step 7: Get your refund and confirm next steps
Once you've returned the item or arranged the refund, you should receive your money back in the original form of payment (or cash if no receipt).
If you bought it with a credit card and have the card with you, the store can often look up the purchase and credit your card directly.
Pro tip: If you have a loyalty account with the store, ask if they can look up the transaction. It saves hassle and further proves you bought the item. After a refund, the store will dispose of the item properly (or send it back to the manufacturer).
Refund policies by major retailers
Different retailers handle recalls in mostly similar ways, with a full refund, but there are nuances in how you go about it.
Here's a convenient table summarizing refund policies for recalled food at major U.S. grocery retailers:
Common mistakes to avoid when claiming a refund for recalled food
Even in a straightforward refund process, some pitfalls can cost you time or money.
If you're wondering how to claim a refund for recalled food, avoid these common mistakes:
- Ignoring the recall or waiting too long: When you hear about a recall, act quickly. Delaying the process can lead to forgotten details or the risk of consuming the item by accident. Though most stores will still issue a refund months later, addressing it early ensures you're not forgotten in the system and can make the process smoother.
- Throwing the product away without proof: When you dispose of the food, keep evidence. Many people discard both the product and its packaging, leaving them without proof when they attempt to get a refund. Before tossing the product, snap a photo of the label, including the UPC or lot code, or save the empty packaging. This will make claiming a refund for recalled food much easier.
- Not cleaning up: After returning a recalled product, clean your fridge or pantry thoroughly, especially if it was a contamination issue. This step helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures the safety of other food items in your kitchen.
- Assuming you're not eligible for compensation after a refund: Don't assume that because you got your money back or store credit, you can't pursue further compensation. Save all your documentation, such as emails, photos, or medical records, if you were affected. This can be valuable for future claims or participation in class actions, even after you've already received a refund.
- Going to the wrong place for the refund: Make sure you return the product to the right place. If you bought the item from a store, take it back to the store. For online purchases, check the refund policy, as you might need to contact customer support.
- Being unnecessarily confrontational: While being proactive is necessary, there's no need to be rude to customer service. A polite yet firm approach often gets better results. If you run into trouble, calmly escalate the situation. Most refund processes for recalled food are straightforward, and a calm demeanor can help you resolve the issue faster.
How Settlemate makes it easy to get your refund for recalled food
Remember, getting a refund for recalled food is your right. Companies may apologize and offer coupons, but at the very least, you deserve a full refund of your purchase price, and nearly every retailer is willing to provide it, as we've shown.
Also, think big-picture. Refunds solve the immediate financial loss, but they don't compensate for pain, suffering, or serious losses. If you were unfortunate enough to be sickened, know that the law is on your side.
Settlemate exists to help consumers navigate these situations.
From identifying if you're part of a recall, to alerting you of settlement opportunities, to guiding you through claim forms.
Essentially, Settlemate investigates:
- Are there similar cases nationwide?
- Can this become a class action?
- Is a settlement already underway that you're eligible to join?
Still not sure how to claim a refund for recalled food?
Let Settlemate do the work for you. Just share a few details and your proof, and Settlemate takes it from there.
