Make the Call after Recall

June 17, 2010 - DALLAS – With the recent major recalls of cars, toys, and even a popular fast food franchise’s promotional glassware, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service wants to ensure their patrons know the recall process for goods sold in exchanges.

There are two ways to check recalls specific to exchange operations. Authorized shoppers can go to their local exchange and check the customer service area or log on to www.aafes.com for the latest recall information.

“The fact of the matter is, the customer needs to be informed and reassured,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm, AAFES senior enlisted advisor. “We strive to stay abreast and quickly post all recalls that affect our customers.”

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission generates recalls and alerts on products. These are based on regulatory website information, supplier notifications, inspections, testing results and Department of Defense Hazardous Food and Non-Prescription Drug Recall System alerts.

In the event of a potential recall, AAFES Quality Assurance notifies buyers to determine whether exchange shoppers have been affected. Buyers then provide information such as the scope, Universal Product Code and disposition information. Once quality assurance specialists send recall information to impacted stores and distribution centers, details are posted in the stores and online. Once the item is recalled it can be systematically blocked at the registers and the distribution flow is stopped.

“If the customer is knowledgeable of how this process works it makes their experience better,” said Helm. “And we are in the business of making sure customers are taken care of.”

Helm and AAFES invite Exchange patrons to utilize the CPSC and AAFES websites as well as in store information to stay up to date on the latest recall information.

CPSC is the federal agency charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death. Information concerning more than 4,500 product recalls are available through their website at http://www.cpsc.gov/