What is a ‘voluntary recall?’

Last week, California-based Henry Avocado announced a voluntary recall of some avocados sold in Wisconsin after a facility tested positive for possible listeria contamination. All avocados with a “Bravocado” label on the sticker should be thrown out or returned for a refund.

Does “voluntary” mean the recall was optional? Not exactly. Voluntary means the company complied with an essentially non-negotiable request by the FDA to remove the product.

If a company ignores the FDA, as Triangle Pharmanaturals did in 2018 after their products tested positive for salmonella, they’re hit with a mandatory recall. Unsurprisingly, most recalls are voluntary.

– Chris Butsch, The 100 Companies