It seems that every time you log on to social media or turn on your television to tune into your local news, there's a new food recall. In the span of just a few months, we've witnessed frightening recalls that include smoked salmon from Costco, broccoli from Walmart, and most recently, Mac & Cheese Bites from Feel Good Foods. Making matters more frustrating, the Costco and Walmart recalls were updated to Class I by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning they're potentially deadly.
If you're like most consumers across the country and are concerned about the what seems to be a rise in food recalls, here's everything you need to know.
Are Food Recalls Really On The Rise?
No, your paranoia hasn't gotten the best of you—the number of recalls is in fact increasing. A report published in mid-February by the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), a non-profit organization that advocates for the public interest, showcases some scary numbers. In 2024, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) counted a total of 241 food and beverage recalls and alerts. This number is an increase of 8% compared with the previous year.
In addition to an increase in the number of recalls, PIRG discovered another troubling fact: the number of people who were hospitalized or died from food contamination doubled in 2024 from the year prior.
Among the top three reasons for food recalls in 2024 were undeclared allergens, listeria, and salmonella. For family physician Dr. Chris Scuderi, listeria in particular has been a source of anxiety for his practice.
"Listeria is a concern for many of my patients, as it particularly impacts those with weakened immune systems," said Dr. Scuderi. "Signs to watch for include nausea, diarrhea, body aches, fever, and chills, but it can also cause less common symptoms like neck stiffness, high fever, and possible seizures. If you suspect you or a loved one may have these symptoms, contact your family doctor to discuss best steps for diagnosis and treatment."
Why Are Food Recalls On the Rise?
Believe it or not, but technology plays a large role in the increase in food recalls. Last year, in a study titled Innovation and the Increase in Food Recalls in Europe and the United States, the University of Miami School Of Law noted that "scientific innovations and regulatory modernization" in both the EU and the United States may have resulted in a rise in recalls. This is a sentiment that Eric LeVine, Chef/Partner at 42 Hotel, echoed while speaking on the increase.
"In my opinion, the rise in food recalls may seem concerning, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate that food is becoming less safe. In fact, many recalls actually stem from advancements in food safety technology which could allow for more precise detection of pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli," said Chef LeVine.
Additionally, for well over a decade, the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011, created to improve food safety in the United States, has played a vital role in strengthening regulations.
"Since the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011, there’s been a huge improvement in food supply regulation. Regulations such as all facilities are required to have a preventative control plan, enhanced produce safety rules, and more frequent FDA facility inspections have helped with improvement. In addition, facilities must give the FDA access to food safety records, greater authority over imported food, and comply with the agency to issue mandatory recalls," Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN and author of Health Shots revealed.
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself In The Face Of Food Recalls?
Thankfully, the best tool when it comes to remaining safe against food contamination is to stay vigilant. The FDA's "Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts" website still serves as a vital resource for staying up to date on recalls. And for those who may be experiencing symptoms of potential food contamination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website can be a tool for properly identifying symptoms.
"Consumers can take several proactive steps to protect themselves, the biggest one being staying informed about recalls and up on the news," Chef LeVine explains. "There are now apps that can inform you and each large agency has a website page dedicated to recalls. It is also crucial to check your food regularly and practice good food safety, which is something I am very passionate about. It is important to wash produce thoroughly, cook meats to safe temperatures and refrigerate raw meat as well as avoid cross contamination in the kitchen at all times."
While the increasing number of food recalls may seem alarming to consumers, it’s important to recognize the positive role that advancements in food safety technology play in ensuring public health. Despite this, it's still important to remain vigilant about staying updated on food recalls and also practicing proper food safety.
