Notifications Climb to New Heights (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Europe – Regulators logged 5,471 food and drink recalls and alerts throughout 2025, edging up from 5,426 the year before.[1][2]
Notifications Climb to New Heights
The food and beverage sector marked a six-year high in recall activity last year. Sedgwick’s European Product Safety and Recall Index tracked this uptick across the region.[3] Overall product recalls reached 15,608, surpassing the 2024 total of 14,484.
Quarterly data revealed fluctuations. The second quarter alone saw 1,276 notifications, a 2.7 percent rise from the first quarter’s 1,242.[4] By year-end, the fourth quarter showed an 18 percent increase over the same period in 2024.[1]
Persistent Contamination Issues Dominate
Non-bacterial contamination topped the list of causes during the second quarter, affecting more than 500 cases. Aflatoxins stood out, tied to 132 recalls.[4] Bacterial issues ranked second, with 244 incidents, including 178 linked to Salmonella.
Excessive levels of substances like lead, mercury, ragweed, and nitrates also prompted action. These patterns highlighted ongoing supply chain vulnerabilities and stricter oversight.
- Non-bacterial contaminants: Over 500 notifications in Q2.
- Bacterial agents: 244 cases, led by Salmonella.
- Excessive substances: Including heavy metals and nitrates.
- Aflatoxins: 132 specific instances.
- Fruits and vegetables: 214 recalls in Q2.
Fruits, Nuts, and Meat Lead Affected Categories
Fruits and vegetables faced the most scrutiny, with 214 recalls in the second quarter alone, though down from 270 earlier. Nuts, nut products, and seeds followed closely at 178, up from 150.
Poultry meat and products, along with herbs and spices, each recorded 105 incidents. These categories reflected broader risks in fresh produce and imported goods.
Netherlands Tops Notification List
The Netherlands issued the highest number of alerts, 205 in the second quarter, rising from 195 previously. Germany followed with 160, and Italy reported 120.[4]
Such activity underscored proactive monitoring by national authorities. Chris Occleshaw, an international product recall consultant at Sedgwick, noted the pressures: “Amidst supply chain challenges, ongoing trade negotiations, and increased responsibilities throughout the entire product lifecycle, businesses must manage a growing risk portfolio.”[4]
Strong recall plans remain essential for mitigation.
Looking Ahead to Stronger Safeguards
The slight overall rise signals that food safety efforts must evolve amid complex global markets. Regulators and industry alike demonstrated vigilance, but the six-year peak calls for enhanced prevention.
Key Takeaways
Industry leaders prepare for 2026 with better traceability and compliance. What steps should companies take next? Tell us in the comments.
