21 U.S. Code § 364g - Mandatory recall authority

(a) In general

If the Secretary determines that there is a reasonable probability that a cosmetic is adulterated under section 361 of this title or misbranded under section 362 of this title and the use of or exposure to such cosmetic will cause serious adverse health consequences or death, the Secretary shall provide the responsible person with an opportunity to voluntarily cease distribution and recall such article. If the responsible person refuses to or does not voluntarily cease distribution or recall such cosmetic within the time and manner prescribed by the Secretary (if so prescribed), the Secretary may, by order, require, as the Secretary determines necessary, such person to immediately cease distribution of such article.

(b) Hearing

The Secretary shall provide the responsible person who is subject to an order under subsection (a) with an opportunity for an informal hearing, to be held not later than 10 days after the date of issuance of the order, on whether adequate evidence exists to justify the order.

(c) Order resolution

After an order is issued according to the process under subsections (a) and (b), the Secretary shall, except as provided in subsection (d)—

(1) vacate the order, if the Secretary determines that inadequate grounds exist to support the actions required by the order;

(2) continue the order ceasing distribution of the cosmetic until a date specified in such order; or

(3) amend the order to require a recall of the cosmetic, including any requirements to notify appropriate persons, a timetable for the recall to occur, and a schedule for updates to be provided to the Secretary regarding such recall.

(d) Action following order

Any person who is subject to an order pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (c) shall immediately cease distribution of or recall, as applicable, the cosmetic and provide notification as required by such order.

(e) Notice to persons affected

If the Secretary determines necessary, the Secretary may require the person subject to an order pursuant to subsection (a) or an amended order pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (c) to provide either a notice of a recall order for, or an order to cease distribution of, such cosmetic, as applicable, under this section to appropriate persons, including persons who manufacture, distribute, import, or offer for sale such product that is the subject of an order and to the public.

(f) Public notification

In conducting a recall under this section, the Secretary shall—

(1) ensure that a press release is published regarding the recall, and that alerts and public notices are issued, as appropriate, in order to provide notification—

(A) of the recall to consumers and retailers to whom such cosmetic was, or may have been, distributed; and

(B) that includes, at a minimum—

(i) the name of the cosmetic subject to the recall;

(ii) a description of the risk associated with such article; and

(iii) to the extent practicable, information for consumers about similar cosmetics that are not affected by the recall; and

(2) ensure publication, as appropriate, on the website of the Food and Drug Administration of an image of the cosmetic that is the subject of the press release described in paragraph (1), if available.

(g) No delegation

The authority conferred by this section to order a recall or vacate a recall order shall not be delegated to any officer or employee other than the Commissioner.

(h) Effect

Nothing in this section shall affect the authority of the Secretary to request or participate in a voluntary recall, or to issue an order to cease distribution or to recall under any other provision of this subchapter.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 675, § 611, as added Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title III, § 3502, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5855.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Construction; Confidentiality

Nothing in section 3502 of Pub. L. 117–328, which enacted this section, to be construed to authorize the disclosure of information that is prohibited from disclosure under section 331(j) of this title or section 1905 of title 18 or that is subject to withholding under section 552(b)(4) of title 5, see section 3503(c)(2) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 364 of this title.