The Essential Guide to Food Recalls | procedure | plan|
The Essential Guide to Food Recalls: Everything an American Consumer Needs to Know
Food recalls are very critical warnings that no consumer should take lightly. If there is a recall of any product, it is paramount that you will ascertain that such product is not present in your kitchen or pantries, lest this food product you will consume has a serious health implication.
What Causes a Food Recall?
There are various causes of the recall of food:
Food contamination with pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria might result in severe illness and possible death. Physical contaminants: Products like glass or plastic in foods may cause recalls to prevent the injury of consumers. Undeclared allergens: When the allergens are not declared on the label, this can be a cause for recall, which is of most importance regarding food allergies.
Most food recalls are monitored by the FDA, while recalls of meat, poultry, and processed egg products are overseen by the USDA.
Key Food Recalls to Watch
Some foods have long been associated with major recalls and health hazards. Based on a Consumer Reports analysis of 2017 through 2022, the following foods were most often recalled because of contamination:
Leafy Greens: They are at the top of the list, with a total of 50 recalls accounting for 11 deaths.
Cheeses and Deli Meats: The foods accounted for 122 recalls during the review period. Most of these, according to the report, have to do with Listeria and Salmonella, killing seven people and amounting to over 16 million pounds recalled.
Ground Beef: It was recalled 22 times due to E. coli and Salmonella, with close to 13 million pounds affected.
Onions: They contributed to 2,167 illnesses, and 13 recalls were made.
Turkey and Chicken: Four recalls apiece, with several deaths attributed to products contaminated with food.
Papayas: 12 recalls to their name; blamed for 332 illnesses and two deaths from Salmonella
Peaches: Recalled six times for their link to 101 cases of illness via Salmonella
Cantaloupe: Four recalls were issued over the course of two years largely because of Salmonella.
Flour: 22 recalls on their record; often due to E. coli and Salmonella
What Should You Do If There's a Food Recall?
Check Recall Notices: Read carefully because the recall notice will describe both the particular product and the risk involved.
Disposal of Recalled Food: Take recalled food safely to be disposed of to a store that can provide a refund, as directed.
Do Not Donate: Recalled food should not be donated to others, including pets, since there is still a potential health hazard associated with the product.
Clean and Sanitize Your Kitchen: Wipe down and sanitize any surface that may have come in contact with the recalled product. Avoid cross-contamination this way.
Food safety is key, but staying current on recalls not only helps protect your health but that of your loved ones. Be sure to check FDA or USDA websites for current recall information, and handle food recalls with due caution.
Follow the latest in food recalls for updates that keep your kitchen practices current and you safe.
