It can be hard to keep up with all of the product recalls announced, which can be especially concerning when they involve things you can’t avoid like food products. So a new report from the nonprofit U.S. Public Research Interest Group Education Fund that found food recalls in 2023 were the highest since 2020 is especially alarming, and a good reminder to remain vigilant when it comes to your purchases – and, of course, to be aware of a good defective or dangerous product attorney if you ever need one.
Food Recalls in 2023
A report released on Thursday, April 25 by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund found that food and beverage recalls throughout the country increased by 8 percent in 2023. The group’s data found that almost half of food recalls last year were due to undeclared allergens.
In total, 313 recalls and alerts were announced last year by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA.). Recalls that resulted from potential Listeria contamination increased by 9 percent, from 43 to 47. Additionally, recalls of pet food – regulated by the FDA – increased, and four out of the six involved Salmonella or other bacteria.
The most commonly recalled food items last year were snack products like cookies and granola bars, accounting for one in five recalls, Forbes reported. Plus, an increase in undisclosed allergen cases was partly the result of the inclusion of sesame as a required disclosed allergen, a rule that only began in January 2023, the outlet noted. These cases accounted for 39 percent of the boost.
‘Food Safety is Really Important’
Other frequently recalled types of food in 2023 included types of cantaloupe, beef, cheese, and salad kits.
Teresa Murray, Consumer Watchdog at U.S. Public Interest Research Group, said after the report was released, “There’s a decent chance that you or someone close to you has become ill from food poisoning the last few years yet didn’t realize it unless the sickness was bad enough to see a doctor.”
“Food safety is really important. Contaminated cantaloupe, onions, and peaches killed people last year and a wide variety of foods made more than 1,100 people sick,” she added.
“We shouldn’t have to worry that everything from soup to nuts could land us in the hospital.”
Millions Impacted by Foodborne Disease
48 million people – one out of six Americans – get sick every year due to foodborne disease, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of that number, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die.
It’s important to pay attention to news about food recalls so you can monitor what food you have in your house and trace any potential sickness you or your family may suffer due to issues with food purchases back to the source. If you or a loved one gets very sick or even dies due to a dangerous food product, you may need legal assistance.
To consult with a member of our experienced team, please contact Phillips Law Group today. We can offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation. We have handled dangerous and defective product claims in the past, and are currently looking into cases of lead poisoning from contaminated applesauce products. Please don’t hesitate to call our firm at 602-222-2222 to learn more today.
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