Are Food Recalls Increasing in 2025? A Data Comparison with 2024

(Thechieftainspear) –According to the latest data from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the number of food recalls so far in 2025 has decreased compared to the same period in 2024.

Why It Matters

Food recalls are issued to prevent serious health risks, such as bacterial contamination or the presence of undeclared allergens. When consumers unknowingly eat contaminated or mislabeled products, it can lead to foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, or other medical complications.

This year, recalls have affected a range of products, including cucumbers, eggs, mushrooms, and various packaged goods.

Declining Recall Numbers

Despite concerns over food safety, the FDA reports that food recalls have dropped overall.

  • January 2025: 51 food recalls
  • February 2025: 26 food recalls
  • January 2024: 45 recalls
  • February 2024: 39 recalls

The agency reaffirmed that the U.S. food supply remains one of the safest in the world.

Class 1 Recalls Also Decreasing

Class 1 recalls, the most serious category, involve situations where consuming a product could cause severe illness or death. These have also declined:

  • 2025 Year-to-Date: 90 Class 1 recalls
  • Same period in 2024: 121 Class 1 recalls

These recalls are typically linked to pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria, or undeclared allergens that can trigger severe reactions.

Also Read – Salad Recall Update: FDA Issues Highest Risk Warning

Common Reasons for Food Recalls

Recalls are often issued due to:
Undeclared allergens (such as milk, eggs, peanuts, and sesame)
Bacterial contamination (including E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella)
Mislabeling or foreign contaminants

Each year, the FDA estimates that 48 million Americans experience foodborne illnesses, which can lead to hospitalization or, in severe cases, death.

Recent Recalls and Industry Practices

Some of the food recalls in February 2025 involved:

  • Tahini sesame paste
  • Alfalfa sprouts
  • Canned tuna
  • Bamboo shoots
  • Beef tallow

Most food recalls are voluntary, initiated by the manufacturers themselves when a potential hazard is identified.

What Happens Next?

The FDA keeps food recalls active on its website until officials confirm that the affected products are no longer on the market. Some recalls may stay open for months depending on the severity of the issue and the distribution of the recalled goods.

In addition to food, the FDA also monitors recalls for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, veterinary products, and tobacco.

While food recalls remain a crucial part of protecting public health, the data suggests that improved safety measures and regulatory oversight may be contributing to the overall decline .

Lailyah Duncan

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