Product Recall Reporting - Winston-Salem City Ordinances

Business and Consumer Protection North Carolina 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of North Carolina

In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, reporting dangerous or recalled products helps protect neighbors, businesses, and public spaces. This guide explains which local offices handle recalls, what municipal rules may apply, how enforcement works, and the concrete steps residents and businesses should take when they encounter a recalled or hazardous consumer product.

Report hazards promptly to limit further exposure and speed a proper response.

What counts as a product safety recall

A recalled product is one the manufacturer or a federal agency has identified as a safety hazard. At the municipal level, issues that often lead to city action include illegal local sales of recalled goods, hazardous storage or disposal, and public-safety risks from malfunctioning equipment in shared spaces.

  • Items subject to federal recalls (children's products, appliances, vehicles) being sold or used in the city.
  • Unsafe storage or display that creates immediate risk to the public.
  • False or missing recall notices at retail locations.

Penalties & Enforcement

Winston-Salem enforces local ordinances and building, health, and fire codes through designated departments. Specific monetary fines, escalation rules, and exact penalties vary by code section; if the municipal code page does not list amounts, those figures are not specified on the cited page. For violations involving consumer products, enforcement may involve code enforcement, the Fire Marshal, or other city inspectors.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for general product-recall offences; see the municipal code for section-specific penalties.
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat offences, and continuing violations may have different remedies or increasing penalties; not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: correction orders, seizure or removal of hazardous items, stop-sale notices, administrative abatement, and referral to court.
  • Enforcers: Code Enforcement, Fire Marshal/Fire Department, and other inspection units handle investigations and inspections.
  • Appeals: appeal or review processes are handled under the applicable ordinance or administrative code; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: inspectors may consider permits, reasonable excuse, or corrective steps when exercising enforcement discretion; exact criteria are not specified on the cited page.
When penalties are not listed on the municipal code page, contact the enforcing office for precise fine schedules and appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

There is no single, citywide "product recall" form published by the municipal code; reporting is normally done via department complaint portals or by contacting enforcement offices directly. If a specific application or form is required for a removal, abatement, or administrative hearing, that form will be published by the enforcing department.

FAQ

Who should I contact first about a recalled product I found in Winston-Salem?
Contact the business that sold the item if safe to do so; for city enforcement, reach out to Code Enforcement or the Fire Marshal depending on the hazard. For federal recall confirmation, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the appropriate federal agency.
Will the city remove recalled items from a private residence?
City removal from private property generally occurs only when there is an immediate public-safety hazard or after administrative process; otherwise the city can advise on safe disposal and reporting pathways.
Can I be penalized for unknowingly selling a recalled product?
Penalties depend on local ordinance and whether the seller had notice; municipalities often allow corrective action if the seller cooperates, but specific penalties are set out in code sections when available.

How-To

  1. Secure the item: stop using it, segregate it from other goods, and place clear warnings to prevent further distribution or use.
  2. Document evidence: take photos, note model/serial numbers and purchase details, and preserve receipts or packaging.
  3. Report to the seller or owner and follow their recall instructions; if the item poses danger in public spaces, notify the appropriate city enforcement office.
  4. Notify federal agencies when applicable: file a report with the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the federal agency that issued the recall.
  5. If you need city intervention, contact Code Enforcement or the Fire Marshal with your documentation and request inspection or abatement.
Keep photos, serial numbers, and receipts as they speed inspections and any administrative or federal recall claims.

Key Takeaways

  • Report recalled items quickly to limit public exposure and start official remedies.
  • Document everything: photos, receipts, and serial numbers are essential evidence.
  • Contact the appropriate city office (Code Enforcement, Fire Marshal) for local enforcement and abatement.

Help and Support / Resources

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