Recent Food Recalls: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Recent Food Recalls: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Food recalls are a critical public safety measure, designed to remove potentially harmful products from the market. In 2024, there were 296 total recalls (FDA + USDA), a slight decrease from 2023. However, the number of people sickened by recalled food increased from 1,118 in 2023 to 1,392 in 2024, and hospitalizations and deaths more than doubled. As consumers, understanding the landscape of food recalls, staying informed, and knowing how to respond are essential steps in protecting ourselves and our families.

Understanding Food Recalls

A food recall is the removal of a food product from the market because it may be adulterated or misbranded. Adulteration means the food contains harmful substances, while misbranding refers to inaccurate or misleading labeling.

Why do food recalls happen?

  • Pathogens: Bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli are common culprits.
  • Undeclared Allergens: Failure to list allergens like milk, soy, or nuts can trigger recalls.
  • Foreign Material: Physical contaminants like metal fragments or plastic pieces can lead to recalls.
  • Chemical Contamination: Presence of harmful chemicals or toxins.

Who initiates a food recall?

  • Manufacturers: Often, companies voluntarily recall products upon discovering a potential hazard.
  • Regulatory Agencies: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can request or mandate recalls. The FDA regulates about 78% of the country’s food supply. The USDA regulates meat, poultry, and some egg products.

Recall Classifications:

Both the FDA and FSIS classify recalls based on the severity of the health risk:

  • Class I: A reasonable probability that eating the food will cause serious health problems or death.
  • Class II: A remote probability of adverse health consequences from eating the food.
  • Class III: Eating the food will not cause adverse health consequences.

Recent Food Recall Examples

Staying informed about recent recalls is crucial. Here are some examples of recalls that have occurred recently:

  • Celebration Herbals Senna Leaf Herbal Tea: Recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination.
  • La Guadalupana Foods Frozen Tamales: Recalled for misbranding and undeclared milk allergen.
  • Suzanna’s Kitchen Fully Cooked Chicken: Recalled due to undeclared soy allergen.
  • ByHeart Infant Formula: Warnings issued to retailers due to a botulism outbreak linked to the formula.

How to Stay Informed

  1. Sign Up for Alerts:
    • FoodSafety.gov: Offers email alerts for food recalls.
    • FDA: Follow @FDArecalls on Twitter.
    • USDA: Follow @USDAFoodSafety on Twitter.
  2. Check Retailer Websites: Many major retailers, like Walmart, post recall information on their websites.
  3. Use the Recalls Widget: FoodSafety.gov provides a widget you can embed on your website to display the latest recalls.
  4. Monitor News Sources: Stay updated through reputable news outlets that report on food recalls.

What to Do If You Have a Recalled Product

  1. Do Not Consume: Immediately stop using or eating the recalled product.
  2. Check the Details: Verify if the product matches the recall details (brand, product name, date codes, etc.).
  3. Return or Dispose:
    • Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund.
    • Dispose of the product according to the recall instructions to prevent consumption.
  4. Follow Instructions: Adhere to any specific instructions provided in the recall notice.

Food Safety Tips to Prevent Illness

Even without a recall, practicing good food safety habits is essential:

  1. Clean:
    • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
    • Clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces and utensils regularly.
    • Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water.
  2. Separate:
    • Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and produce.
    • Store raw meats in sealed containers to prevent cross-contamination.
  3. Cook:
    • Use a food thermometer to ensure foods reach a safe internal temperature.
    • Cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm.
  4. Chill:
    • Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours (one hour if the temperature is above 90°F).
    • Keep your refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
    • Thaw food safely in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave.

The Role of Food Safety Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a recalled food product, consulting with a food safety lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options for compensation. A lawyer can assist with:

  • Investigating the cause of the contamination.
  • Determining liability.
  • Negotiating with responsible parties.
  • Filing a lawsuit if necessary.

Conclusion

Recent food recalls highlight the importance of staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect your health. By understanding the recall process, staying updated on current recalls, practicing safe food handling, and knowing your legal options, you can minimize your risk and ensure the safety of your food supply.