In 2024, the food and cosmetic industry witnessed a significant surge in recalls, with a 22% increase compared to the previous year. According to data from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there have already been 1,908 recalls in 2024, up from 1,563 in 2023. This alarming rise underscores the ongoing challenges in food safety as foodborne illnesses continue to affect millions of people annually in the United States.
Foodborne illnesses impact an estimated 9 million individuals in the U.S. every year, leading to approximately 56,000 hospitalizations and 1,300 deaths due to pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. The Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration (IFSAC), which includes the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), FDA, and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has reported that foodborne illnesses were more prevalent in 2024 than in prior years, consistent with the growing number of recalls.
“The food safety landscape in 2024 has been plagued by foodborne illness outbreaks, which have had a major impact on the food industry, public health, and individual consumers,” – Dr. Susan Harlander
Dr. Susan Harlander, a prominent food microbiologist, emphasizes the importance of vigilance in monitoring symptoms of foodborne illness. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as young children, elderly adults, pregnant women, and those with existing health conditions, are especially vulnerable.
“Monitor yourself and your family for symptoms of foodborne illness, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and seek medical attention if severe symptoms occur, especially for young children, elderly adults, pregnant women, or those with weakened immune systems,” – Dr. Susan Harlander
One of the key preventive measures against foodborne illnesses is avoiding cross-contamination. Dr. Harlander advises consumers to keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from ready-to-eat foods. Cooking foods to safe internal temperatures and reheating leftovers to at least 165°F can significantly reduce the risk of contamination.
“If you have food in your home that has been associated with a foodborne illness outbreak, even if the food looks and smells fine, it may still be contaminated. Do not eat or serve the food to your family or pets,” – Dr. Susan Harlander
To ensure safety during recalls, consumers should confirm that their food items are part of a recall by checking brand names, lot numbers, and expiration or use-by dates. Disposing of affected products properly by sealing them in plastic bags prevents cross-contamination. Thorough handwashing and cleaning of surfaces and utensils that came into contact with recalled foods are also essential.
“Confirm that the food is part of the recall by checking the brand name, lot number, and expiration or use-by-dates. Dispose of the food in a sealed plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling the food. Clean any surfaces, utensils or containers the food touched,” – Dr. Susan Harlander
“By staying informed and maintaining safe food practices, consumers can significantly reduce their risk of foodborne illnesses,” – Dr. Susan Harlander
Dr. Harlander also highlights the role of media coverage in increasing public awareness during widespread outbreaks involving commonly used food items. Enhanced media presence ensures that more consumers become aware of potential risks and recall actions.
“When commonly used food items are involved in foodborne illness outbreaks, and particularly if the food is broadly distributed to many states, coverage in local and national news media and on social media increases,” – Dr. Susan Harlander
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