A Record Year for Recall Activity (Image Credits: Unsplash)
United States – Recalls of food and drink products climbed to their highest level in nine years during 2025, driven by stricter regulatory oversight and persistent safety concerns.[1]
A Record Year for Recall Activity
The US Food and Drug Administration recorded 571 food and drink recalls in 2025, marking a 15.4% increase from the previous year and the most since 2016.[1] This surge contributed to broader trends across consumer sectors, where total recalls reached 3,295, up slightly from 3,232 in 2024.[1]
Defective units affected jumped even more dramatically, totaling 858 million nationwide, a 26% rise year-over-year. FDA-specific units recalled soared 209% to 138.50 million, while the US Department of Agriculture handled 67.57 million pounds, the largest volume in 13 years.[1] Activity accelerated in the final quarter, with FDA events up 7.6% from the prior period and USDA events doubling.[1]
Top Triggers Behind the Wave
Bacterial contamination emerged as the dominant issue, accounting for 96.42 million recalled units. Foreign materials followed with 19.66 million units, including a massive 58-million-pound corn dog recall due to wood contamination that dominated USDA actions.[1]
Undeclared allergens impacted 15.99 million units, with coloring agents, milk, and crustaceans leading the list. Prepared foods topped recall events at 158, or 27.7% of FDA cases, while supplements led in units recalled.[1] For USDA, foreign materials drove 97.3% of pounds recalled, mainly in pork and poultry products.
| Category | FDA Events | Key Units/Pounds |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial Contamination | – | 96.42M units |
| Foreign Material | – | 19.66M units (FDA); 65.78M lbs (USDA) |
| Undeclared Allergens | – | 15.99M units |
Regulatory Pressures Fuel the Rise
Federal agencies ramped up enforcement on labeling and ingredients. The FDA updated its “healthy” claim definition for the first time in over a decade and issued new allergen guidances.[1] It also proposed closing the GRAS loophole, mandating pre-use submissions for certain substances.
State-level actions added momentum, including California’s definition of ultra-processed foods and Texas requirements for warning labels on products with specific additives. Retailers faced warnings after failing to remove recalled items promptly, underscoring demands for better preparedness.[1] Senators pushed the Better Food Disclosure Act to enhance ingredient reviews.
- Infant formula remained a flashpoint, with a botulism outbreak linked to one brand sickening 51 infants by late 2025.
- Nestle recalled its Nan formula over Bacillus cereus bacteria.
- ByHeart faced scrutiny in the same outbreak.
- USDA’s foreign material recalls hit pork hardest, with 61.05 million pounds pulled.
- Poultry followed with 5.06 million pounds.
Lessons from a Challenging Year
Sedgwick’s analysis highlighted how intensified oversight exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains and labeling practices. Food and drink sectors bore much of the increase, signaling a new era of accountability.[1] Companies must prioritize robust recall plans amid evolving rules.
- Recalls hit 571 for FDA food/drink, up 15.4%, with units exploding 209%.
- Bacterial issues and foreign objects led, but allergens gained ground.
- Stricter federal and state rules promise sustained vigilance.
As regulations tighten further, the focus shifts to prevention. What steps should food producers take next? Share your thoughts in the comments.
