Can Someone Explain Why There's A New Food Recall Every Day?
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If it seems like there’s a new food recall every week, you’re not imagining it.
From deli meats to cucumbers, and frozen chicken to apple juice, it feels like there’s always a new safety advisory making headlines. Most recently, the FDA just issued a cantaloupe recall in five states due to potential salmonella contamination, as well as an egg recall in nine states that has sickened 65 people. And let's not forget August's cucumber recall.
These latest incidents are part of a broader trend that’s leaving many consumers worried about food safety in the U.S. as a whole. According to Newsweek, a recent Gallup survey found that public trust in the federal government’s ability to ensure food safety has reached record lows. Just prior to the polling, the FDA issued 19 recalls in June 2024.
Gallup’s survey, conducted between July 1 and July 21, found that 37% of Americans had to discard or return food due to recalls or safety advisories in the past year. Additionally, 53% of respondents have avoided certain brands or types of food because of these issues, while 26% worry they might have eaten contaminated products.
So, why the big surge in recalls?
Oftentimes, allergens will be the most common reason due to products being mislabeled or even unlabeled. Another significant factor is the consolidation within the food industry. Fewer companies are now responsible for a wider range of products, which means that contamination in one part of a large facility can affect multiple food items. It also means that a single problem can lead to a broader recall.
According to Chris Cook, a county health commissioner in Ohio, advanced technologies have also contributed to the increase in recalls. These technologies are better at detecting potential issues, which means more products are flagged for contamination before they reach consumers, he told WDTN. This increased vigilance, while beneficial, also means that recalls are more frequent.
Despite the concerning number of headlines, it's worth noting that food-borne illnesses have actually been on the decline in the U.S. since 2009. “Not all recalls result in adverse effects or illness in consumers,” Darin Detwiler, a food-safety expert and professor at Northeastern University, told Newsweek. “The purpose of a recall is to proactively remove potentially harmful products from the market to prevent such incidents." Detwiler also emphasized that recalls are often precautionary and not all lead to documented cases of illness. Sometimes issues are caught early enough to prevent widespread problems.
Still, the impact of recalls should be taken seriously no matter what. The 2022 baby formula crisis, for example, left parents struggling to find safe options due to a limited number of manufacturers. And the recent Boar’s Head listeria outbreak serves as another reminder of how severe the consequences can be when issues arise in the food supply, with nearly 60 people hospitalized and nine dead.
Food safety advisories and recalls aren’t new, though the decline in public confidence is a significant concern for both the food industry and the federal government. The impending challenges go beyond managing recalls; they also involve rebuilding and maintaining consumer trust in the safety of their food supply.
In the meantime, if you find yourself in contact with recalled food, it’s important to monitor your health and take note of any symptoms you may experience, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice and report your experience to the relevant health authorities.
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