If You Have a Problem with a Food, Drug, or Health Product, Report It to the FDA
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If You Have a Problem with a Food, Drug, or Health Product, Report It to the FDA

Consumer complaints often provide the first clue that a product needs investigation

August 1, 2025

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) relies on consumers to report problems with foods, medications and medical products through its MedWatch program. Studies and trials cannot catch every issue, so your firsthand experience can trigger important safety reviews.

What is MedWatch?

MedWatch collects reports of adverse reactions, product defects and safety issues for FDA-regulated items. Even if you are not certain a product caused your problem, any details you can provide help the FDA detect trends and protect public health.

What kinds of products are covered?

MedWatch accepts reports for:

  • Prescription and over-the-counter medications
  • Infant formulas, dietary supplements and herbal remedies
  • Cosmetics and personal care products
  • Medical devices, from contact lenses to pacemakers
  • Biologics such as blood products and transplant tissues
  • Foods, beverages and food ingredients

What to report

You do not need proof of causation. Report any of the following:

  • Unexpected side effects or allergic reactions
  • Medication errors and dosing mix-ups
  • Therapeutic failures when generics or brand switches reduce effectiveness
  • Product quality problems, such as contamination, foreign objects or labeling errors

File a report online at the FDA MedWatch site or by calling 1-800-332-1088.

North Carolina resources

  • NC Department of Agriculture Consumer Protection Division: report local food safety issues and product fraud at ncagr.gov/consumer or 1-919-733-7366
  • NC Division of Public Health: report suspected foodborne illness outbreaks at 1-877-490-6642
  • NC Board of Pharmacy: file complaints about pharmacies and drug products at ncbop.org or 1-888-255-3265
  • Poison Control Center: immediate medical advice for suspected poisoning at 1-800-222-1222

By reporting issues to MedWatch and using state resources, North Carolina consumers help safeguard everyone’s health and ensure problems are addressed promptly.