High-profile food recalls have garnered public attention lately as foodborne illnesses related to recalls make their way into multiple states. Last month, a cyclosporiasis outbreak began spreading, eventually being linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Fresh Foods. A recall was issued in mid-July.
Food Recall Trends
According to data from both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), there have been 162 food recalls so far in 2026. The FDA regulates about 80% of food, while the USDA is responsible for the remaining. This number is about half of the 320 recalls reported for all of 2025.
The number of recalls doesn’t tell the full story, according to Teresa Murray, the Consumer Watchdog Director for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, a consumer advocacy organization. “Does it mean that there’s more enforcement, or that there’s more hazardous food?” Murray said. “And we don’t know the answer to that.”
Staying Safe from Foodborne Illnesses
Murray emphasized the importance of following food safety guidelines to stay safe, while acknowledging that consumers still need to eat and buy products from the grocery store. Keeping track of product recalls, washing hands in between handling different foods, and properly storing food are ways people can stay safe.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
