Food recalls increased in the second quarter of 2018, but mostly due to a large recall of eggs, according to a new report issued by Stericycle Expert Solutions. That recall, for Rose Acre Farms in early summer, was for more than 200,000,000 eggs that were linked to a Salmonella Braenderup outbreak that sickened at least 45 people in 10 states. That one recall resulted in a huge increase of more than 20 times the number of food units recalled.
And even though FDA food recalled increased by 7% in the second quarter to 147, that’s the second lowest quarter increase since 2018. The top reason for recalls at the FDA were for undeclared allergens at 42%; the second was for bacterial contamination, at 32%. The pathogens responsible for those recalls were Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes.
Most of the USDA-regulated food recalls were for foreign materials in food products, at 31%, followed by lack of inspection, and undeclared allergens. Most of the USDA-regulated products that were recalled were beef, followed by foods that contained beef, chicken, and pork combined.
Mike Good, Vice President of marketing and sales for Stericycle Expert Solutions, said in a statement, “Outbreaks of foodborne illness caused by bacteria and other contaminants are perennial news makers, but if the first half of the year is any indication, 2018 will be one of the more noteworthy years for food and beverage recalls. Whether it’s better testing methods, fewer inspectors, flawed farming and production practices, or other causes, this news suggests we need to redouble efforts in protecting the nation’s food supply chain.”
