An unsafe consumer product in Canada: preserve evidence and report it

Get medical help first, stop using the product and keep its identifying details before reporting an injury, near miss or safety concern to Health Canada.

If someone is injured or may be in danger, seek medical or emergency help first. Stop using the product and keep it away from other people if you can do so safely.

Preserve useful details

• Keep the product, packaging, instructions and warning labels; do not repair or discard them before documenting the issue.
• Photograph the product, model and serial numbers, labels, damage and the scene.
• Write down what happened, when it happened, how the product was used and what injury or property damage resulted.
• Keep the receipt, seller details, online listing and any communication with the manufacturer or retailer.

Report a safety incident

Consumers can report an injury, near injury, death, property damage or other product-safety concern to Health Canada. A report does not replace medical care, a warranty claim, a retailer complaint or legal advice. If the problem concerns a medication, medical device, food, pesticide or another regulated product type, a different reporting route may apply.

Check current recalls and safety alerts, and keep the case number and a copy of your submission.

Health Canada: report a consumer-product incident · Version française →

Sources and limits

Source: Health Canada consumer-product incident reporting guidance. Choose the correct reporting program for the product category.

General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting.