The number of food-related recalls increased by 8% in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to a new report released by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.
The consumer watchdog group analyzed all 313 food recall announcements made by the FDA and USDA last year and found that E. coli, salmonella and listeria were responsible for about 26% of those recalls.
US PIRG's analysis also found that nearly half of recalls are due to undeclared allergens. The number of items recalled due to undeclared allergens increased by 27% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Click here to read the report: https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/food-for-thought-2024/
“Many of these products contain three, four, five undeclared allergens in the same product,” said Teresa Murray, Director of Consumer Surveillance at U.S. PIRG and author of the report. he said. “This is outrageous and they need to do better.”
Murray said there were 88 recalls due to pathogens in 2023. According to the report, in 2023, the outbreak killed six people and sickened 1,100 people. Murray said to protect yourself, you should make sure to handle food safely once it enters your home. You should also stay informed about the latest recalls.
“If you pay attention to recalls and notice that some of the same brands are being recalled multiple times, or that some of the same stores seem to be experiencing recalls, that store is probably the culprit. “Some distributors probably don't work with very reliable companies and you may need to buy your groceries from somewhere else,” she said. Told.
People with young children, people with food allergies, those who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems should pay more attention to recalls, he said.
Murray suggests getting a phone app that alerts you to new recalls, such as Food Recalls and Alerts or Food Keeper.
You can also check the latest recalls at www.foodsafety.gov/recalls-and-outbreaks.
