Why Do Food Recalls Happen?

One of the most common causes for a food recall is that the food packaging was incorrect. This can include products in the wrong packaging, misleading claims, undeclared allergens, and incorrect ingredient labels. Food can also be recalled if there are any biological, physical, or chemical hazards found in the food.

Why does food get recalled?

Food recalls protect the public from products that may cause injury, illness or even death. Food products are recalled to remove them from the marketplace because there is reason to believe the products may be defective, adulterated, contaminated, misbranded or mislabeled.

What is the #1 reason for food product recalls?

Leading causes food recalls in the U.S. in 2019

In 2019, the leading cause of food recalls in the United States was the presence of undeclared allergens (almonds, peanuts, soy, etc.).

Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins

Senior Technology Editor & AI Specialist

Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.