The top row
Food recalls in 2023 reached the highest levels recorded in the US since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly due to contamination by unknown allergens and listeria, according to a new report released Thursday.
Blurry interior of a grocery store aisle behind large red recall text
Basic elements
About 313 food recalls (affecting products that were still being sold) and alerts (involving products that are no longer sold but may be in consumers’ homes) were announced last year by the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. % increase from 2022 and the highest number since the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020, according to a report released Thursday by the nonprofit US Public Research Interest Group Education Fund.
Contaminated food caused six deaths and more than 1,100 illnesses last year, although researchers suspect there were more illnesses since most people recover from food poisoning without medical attention.
The most frequently recalled foods in 2023 were snacks such as cookies and granola bars, which accounted for one in five recalls, although other commonly recalled foods included fruit—mainly melons—beef, soup, salads and greens, poultry, cheese, vegetables, dietary supplements and pet food, according to the report.
Almost half of the recalls (49.3%) in 2023 involved allergens not declared on the package, while other main reasons for recalls were listeria contamination (15%), salmonella contamination (8.6%) and non-inspected products (6.1%).
This increase in unknown allergen cases is partly due to the inclusion of sesame – which accounted for 39% of the increase – as a required disclosed allergen, a rule that began in January 2023.
What are the 5 biggest food recalls of 2024 so far?
- Dairy products: An investigation into a “multi-year, multi-state” listeria outbreak has been reopened after listeria was found in several dairy-containing food products such as queso fresco and cotija cheese. This outbreak includes cases dating back to 2014, and the FDA investigated it in 2017 and 2021, although it was unable to link a specific brand to the outbreak. The most recent investigation was reopened in January and manufacturer Rizo-Lopez Foods voluntarily recalled 60 dairy products. Major retailers such as Walmart, Costco and Trader Joe’s are recalling products including salad and taco kits due to possible contamination. As of April 9, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report the outbreak is over. The agencies reported 26 cases, 23 hospitalizations and two deaths in 11 states.
- Trader Joe’s Dumplings: More than 61,000 pounds of Trader Joe’s Steamed Chicken Soup Noodles were recalled in March due to possible contamination from hard plastic from a permanent marker. The products were voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corporation, according to the USDA. The problem was discovered after customers complained about hard plastics in their pasta, although no adverse reactions were reported.
- Cinnamon: The FDA issued one alarm in March, warning that it found unsafe levels of lead in six ground cinnamon products. These products were sold at discount stores such as Dollar Tree and Family Dollar in many states. This recall came after the FDA investigated the 2023 recall of lead-contaminated cinnamon sauces that led to more than 500 reports of adverse reactions in children.
- Trader Joe’s Cashews: Wenders LLC, the nut’s maker, recalled four lots of Trader Joe’s 50% Less Sodium Roasted and Salted Whole Cashews in March because of possible salmonella contamination. Although no illnesses have been reported, the potentially contaminated nuts were sold in 16 states.
- Quaker Oats Products: Quaker Oats developed in January after recalling several products in December due to possible salmonella contamination. This expanded list included over 20 granolas, protein and cereal bars, cereals, instant oatmeal and snack mixes sold in all 50 states. However, no side effects have been reported.
Big number
48 million That’s how many Americans the CDC says calculates become ill annually due to foodborne illness, a total of one in six Americans. Of this number, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die.
Key background
Food is recalled in one of four ways, according to the report. One way is for consumers to get sick, seek medical attention, and then have local officials or the CDC test fluids and trace an outbreak to a specific food. Another is for consumers to file a complaint with companies or regulators. A third are local, state or federal officials discover an issue through investigations or routine monitoring. and the other method is from companies that self-report a problem after testing. The FDA regulates around 78% of the nation’s food supply, and its oversight includes everything except meat, poultry, and some fish and egg products, which are regulated by the USDA. The FDA was behind 224 recalls in 2023, while the USDA accounted for 89, according to the report. Although the number of recalls through the FDA remained essentially unchanged, the number of USDA recalls increased by 31% in 2023 compared to 2022—the highest levels since 2019.
Further reading
Costco, Trader Joe’s, Walmart Recall Dairy Products Due to Listeria Outbreak—What You Need to Know (Forbes)
Lead-Poisoned Applesauce: Ecuadorian Cinnamon Processor ‘Possible Source’ Behind Recalled Pouches, FDA Says (Forbes)
Trader Joe’s Cashews Recall: Product Recalled in 16 States Due to Salmonella Concerns (Forbes)
