A recent investigation reveals a surge in food recalls that occurred last year. Concerns have been raised by food safety experts over the alarming findings. They provide guidance on preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring proper safety measures. While the pace has somewhat slowed down, there was a period in the previous year when it seemed like a frightening new food recall emerged every week. Notable products like organic carrots, Boar’s Head deli meats, McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, and others were withdrawn from shelves or stores in 2024 due to the risk of severe illnesses.
The latest report confirms that the prevalence of food recalls in 2024 was indeed significantly higher. Introducing the experts behind the analysis: Barbara Kowalcyk, Ph.D., an associate professor and director of the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at George Washington University; Darin Detwiler, L.P.D., the author of Food Safety: Past, Present, and Predictions and a professor at Northeastern University; and Wade Syers, D.Soc.Sci., a statewide food safety specialist at Michigan State University Extension.
The report has sparked inquiries into the current state of food safety in the U.S., particularly following the resignation of Jim Jones, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s deputy commissioner for human foods, amid significant workforce reductions aimed at safeguarding the nation’s food supply. Here’s what these food safety experts want you to be aware of before panicking.
**Key Findings of the Report:**
The analysis conducted by the Public Interest Research Group, a nonprofit focused on consumer protection, examined data related to food recalls in 2024. The study revealed approximately 300 food recalls last year, resulting in nearly 1,400 illnesses. These recalls led to the hospitalization of 487 individuals and tragically, claimed the lives of 19 people. Disturbingly, the number of hospitalizations and fatalities in 2024 doubled compared to the preceding year.
Thirteen outbreaks accounted for 98% of the illnesses associated with food safety issues, with the majority of major outbreaks involving listeria, salmonella, or E.coli. The primary causes of food recalls in 2024, as per the data, were:
– Undeclared allergens (34.1%)
– Listeria (22%)
– Salmonella (13.9%)
– Excessive lead (4.4%)
– Foreign material (4.1%)
– E.coli (3.4%)
**Factors Contributing to the Surge in Food Recalls:**
Several factors contributed to the heightened number of food recalls in 2024. One significant factor was the failure of corporate leadership to prioritize sanitation and other food safety compliance measures, according to Darin Detwiler, L.P.D., the author and professor at Northeastern University. Recurring contamination issues were also prevalent, with Detwiler citing examples like
As a result, the United States may be experiencing more outbreaks than in the past, but according to Detwiler, the regulation of the food supply is becoming more stringent. How worried should the public be about this situation? Detwiler expresses concern over the findings, stating, “The statistics are alarming: Foodborne pathogens are responsible for an estimated 3,000 American deaths annually.” He further explains, “The recent uptick in recalls and linked illnesses suggests that consumers are increasingly at risk of encountering contaminated food products.”
Detwiler also raises apprehensions regarding recent FDA layoffs and changes in leadership, which have led to what he describes as a “fragmented oversight system and delayed responses to contamination events.” He warns that while the future number of food recalls may decrease, it could be attributed to inadequate oversight due to staffing challenges rather than improved safety measures.
Despite these concerns, not all food safety professionals share the same worries. Wade Syers, D.Soc.Sci., a food safety specialist at Michigan State University Extension, believes that “our food supply has become safer over time.” He points out that although there are still numerous outbreaks, the overall number of foodborne illnesses has declined over the last decade.
In terms of preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring safety, experts emphasize that consumers should not have to constantly fret about the safety of their food. Detwiler advocates for “systemic reforms” to be implemented for long-term solutions.
In the meantime, Detwiler advises the following measures to enhance food safety:
1. Stay informed about recalls by regularly checking the FDA and USDA websites.
2. Exercise caution with high-risk foods such as raw dairy, bagged leafy greens, pre-cut fruits, deli meats, and undercooked poultry.
3. Purchase products from reputable brands that prioritize food safety and provide transparent sourcing and handling information.
4. Practice personal food safety by thoroughly washing, cooking, and storing foods to minimize contamination risks.
Although Kowalcyk acknowledges that there has been an increase in outbreaks, she emphasizes that public health officials and scientists are employing more effective methods to detect food safety issues promptly, thereby contributing to a safer food supply. “The scale of outbreaks has decreased,” she notes. “We are identifying them sooner.”
