August’s food recalls have surged to alarming levels, underscoring a transparent failure in food safety oversight that demands urgent scrutiny.
At a Glance
- Over a dozen food product recalls were issued in August by the FDA and FSIS, including desserts, spices, and infant formula.
- Most recalls were due to undeclared allergens, with others due to bacterial or lead contamination.
- Consumers are advised not to consume recalled products, especially those with allergies.
- Terrafina Golden Raisins were recalled for undeclared sulfites.
- El Servidor Corp. and Gutierrez’s ground cinnamon were recalled for elevated lead levels.
Unprecedented Surge in Food Recalls
In August, food recalls hit unprecedented levels as the FDA and FSIS issued warnings for a slew of products. The alarming surge in recalls raises a critical question: What exactly is going wrong with our food safety systems?
Most of these recalls were due to undeclared allergens, while others cited bacterial or lead contamination. With a wide range of products affected, from meat and dairy to baked goods and snacks, consumers are left questioning how these safety breaches are happening.
The contaminated products include everything from Terrafina Golden Raisins, recalled for undeclared sulfites, to North Fish USA’s Cold Smoked Capelin, flagged for potential Clostridium botulinum contamination.
What’s Driving the Recalls?
The diverse array of products being recalled highlights systemic flaws in food safety protocols. Are companies cutting corners, or is there a more insidious issue at hand like lack of inspections or potential sabotage?
While answers remain unclear, the data is telling. In 2023 alone, the FDA and USDA issued 313 food product recall announcements, an 8% increase from 2022. Foodborne illnesses linked to these recalls sickened over 1,000 people and resulted in six fatalities.
Not A New Issue: The Role of Allergens
Undeclared allergens, particularly sesame, were major drivers of the recalls. In 2023, undeclared allergens increased by 27% from the previous year, resulting in about half of all food recalls. The enactment of the FASTER Act, which added sesame to the “Big 9” list of allergens to be disclosed, significantly contributed to this increase. This rise in recalls for undeclared allergens underscores a clear need for improved labeling practices.
Significant Incidents and Their Implications
Many of these recalls expose critical failings in manufacturing and supply chains. For example, North Fish USA recalled Cold Smoked Capelin due to contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. The fish imported from Belarus exceeded 5 inches in length and was uneviscerated, illustrating alarming lapses in quality control and inspection processes.
