"Granola bars, cucumbers, and eggs, oh my! What do these seemingly unrelated foods have in common? They’ve all, along with numerous others, been recalled within the last three months according to the United States Food & Drug Administration’s recalls, market withdrawals & safety alerts database. In fact, at the time of writing, the list had over 900 entries dating back to 2017, and a recent data analysis showed the number of food recalls has increased by more than 20 percent from 2020 to 2023.
With those kinds of numbers, it’s easy to understand why many of us feel like new food recalls are popping up every day. Couple that with the challenge of keeping your kitchen stocked with foods your family will actually eat and the increasing prices of groceries, and it’s no wonder feeding your family can feel like an uphill battle. So let’s take something off your plate (pun intended). Keep reading to learn about food safety, food recalls, and what you can do to stay informed and protect your family.
Food Safety 101
Food safety is a shared responsibility between the food industry, government and health agencies, as well as consumers. It refers to all of the conditions and practices put into place to ensure the quality of the food we eat as well as to prevent contamination and foodborne illness. Why does this matter? Well, according to the World Health Organization, roughly one in 10 people worldwide become ill each year after eating contaminated food. On top of that, children are one of the most vulnerable populations when it comes to foodborne illness.
In the United States, food safety is overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Together these agencies work to prevent foodborne illness and contamination, inform the public about food recalls, and track foodborne illness should it occur.
What is a Food Recall?
A food recall happens when a food is found to have violated a regulation from the FDA or the USDA. The FDA oversees most foods, while meat, poultry, and eggs are regulated by the USDA. A violation may occur due to contamination with bacteria, viruses or parasites, the presence of foreign objects such as pieces of metal or plastic, or the product may fail to list a major allergen properly.
Typically, food recalls are voluntarily initiated by the food manufacturer or distributor, but the FDA does have the ability to request or mandate a recall. Once a recall is made, it is classified according to the categories below based on how severe of a health risk the recall poses.
Food Recall Categories
- Class I: Involves a situation where there is a reasonable probability that the product will cause serious, adverse health outcomes or death
- Class II: Involves a situation where there is a remote possibility of adverse health outcomes from the product
- Class III: Involves a situation where the product will likely not cause adverse health outcomes
How to Find Out About Food Recalls
Information about food recalls can come from a few different sources, including the food manufacturer or distributor, the FDA, and the news media. Historically, the FDA has kept a record of all known food recalls on their website, which includes the reason for the recall as well as links to company announcements. You may also sign up for food recall email alerts by using this link. The USDA keeps a similar list on their website for recalls dealing with meat, poultry, and eggs.
In the event there is a disruption in the federal government postings, consumers may look to additional sources to learn about important food recall information. To start, look up your state’s public health department. Many of them also share information about food recalls and other public health alerts. Another option is to follow social media or sign up for newsletters from the brands you purchase regularly. While this won’t work for every food, most companies will share food recalls with their customers through these channels. Lastly, consume news through responsible media outlets that do their best to share food recall information with their readers.
If you’re interested in learning more about the food system in addition to food safety, you may look to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. It is an independent, science-based consumer advocacy organization whose mission is to improve the food system to support healthy eating, which includes promoting food safety.
What to Do If Your Food is Part of a Recall
If you have purchased a food or food product that ends up getting recalled, refer to the manufacturer’s recall announcement for next steps. Many times, you can return the product to the store you purchased it from for a refund. If that’s not an option, it’s best to throw away the product. Never give the recalled product to someone else, including donating it to food banks.
How Concerned Should You Be About Food Recalls?
Although it may feel as though they are rampant these days, food recalls should be taken seriously since they have the potential to cause injury or illness. This is especially important for young children, pregnant and lactating women, older adults, and those who are immunocompromised, as they are most vulnerable to foodborne illness. Do your best to stay informed via the recommendations above and follow the directions set forth in recall notices. And above all, if you aren’t sure something is safe to eat, throw it out.
Dana Peters, R.D.
Dana is a writer and registered dietitian specializing in family and kids nutrition living in the Chicago suburbs. From healthy family eating to reliable baby gear to wellness for moms, she has covered it all. She is mom to Charlie and Eva, a wannabe baker, and a farmer’s market enthusiast.