In 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a note concern a surge of more than 50 food-related recalls, sparking concerns among Americans about the increasing frequency of such alerts. This trend follows a significant recall of 234 food-related items in 2023, highlighting the potential risks consumers face due to undeclared allergens or bacterial contamination, like listeria, which can lead to severe consequences. The array of affected products this year encompasses a wide spectrum, including pet food, dried fruit, and salad kits, among numerous other items.
Research conducted by MasterControl, a life sciences software company, shed light on the escalating trend of food recalls by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the FDA. Since 2018, recalls issued by both agencies have surged by 115 percent. The data revealed that there were 280 recalls in 2018, a figure that more than doubled to 603 recalls in 2022. Alarmingly, the research unveiled that child safety products are the leading cause of CPSC recalls, accounting for over one in five recalls—surpassing any other category.
The majority of recalls by the FDA pertain to food and beverages, constituting 64 percent of the total, followed by drugs at 22 percent, animal and veterinary products at 6 percent, medical devices at 4 percent, dietary supplements at 2 percent, and cosmetics at 1 percent. Among the reasons for FDA recalls, allergens rank as the most prevalent cause.
Several factors are identified as driving the surge in recalls, including the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011, which implemented significant reforms to food safety laws, granting the FDA greater regulatory authority. Moreover, stricter regulations were enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, as testing and inspection protocols were adapted to ensure public safety.
Some recent FDA food recalls include dried mango from Golden Owl, raw cheddar cheese from Raw Farm LLC, and Baby’s Vitamin D3 Liquid from Nordic Naturals. Reasons cited for these recalls range from undeclared ingredients to E. coli contamination and elevated levels of vitamin D3.
Despite the rise in recalls, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a slightly lower number of recalls in recent years compared to previous periods. While there were 65 recalls in 2023, up from 45 in 2022, the figures are still lower than those recorded in 2019 and 2018, which saw 124 and 125 recalls, respectively. However, it’s essential to note that the number of recalls may fluctuate due to various factors affecting product safety and regulatory enforcement.
Now, concerning the harms and injuries caused by these recalled products, individuals who have suffered adverse effects, such as allergic reactions, foodborne illnesses, or other health complications, may be entitled to seek compensation through a product liability lawsuit. In such lawsuits, victims can pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
The lawsuit process typically involves several steps, including filing a complaint, discovery, pretrial motions, settlement negotiations, and, if necessary, trial. Throughout each stage of the process, having legal representation is crucial to ensure that victims’ rights are protected, evidence is properly presented, and the best possible outcome is achieved. An experienced attorney can navigate the complexities of the legal system, advocate for the victim’s interests, and work to secure fair and just compensation for their injuries.
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