Richmond and Henrico Health Districts give tips about recalls during holiday season

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are spreading awareness about food and toy recalls during the holiday season in hopes of preventing illnesses or injuries. The districts encourage folks to look for recalls in the following places: FoodSafety.gov -- operated by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services -- the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Disease Control post food recalls. SaferProducts.gov -- operated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission -- posts toy recalls. Retailers will often use store loyalty card programs to notify customers if they have purchased items that have been recalled.  Many local news sources, including 8News, will also highlight recalls.   If you have bought a recalled product, the districts said you should take the following steps: Do not eat or use the product.  Return the food or toy for a refund, as instructed by the recall.  Dispose of the product safely, as instructed by the recall.  In the case of a food recall, clean surfaces, drawers, or utensils that came into contact with the food.   To ensure gifts are safe for children, take the following steps: Make sure any toy you buy is age appropriate. Children under 3 should not use toys with small parts that can easily go into a mouth. If you’re not sure about size, try fitting toy parts through a toilet paper roll — toys that can pass through the roll will pose a choking hazard.   Follow all packaging instructions about safe usage.   If you’re gifting a bike, skates, or scooter, add a helmet to the package.  For more health and safety information, visit the districts' website.