Why are there so many food recalls lately? What to know about food supply safety in U.S. – NBC 5 Chicago

Analysis of U.S. Food Recall Trends and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

A recent analysis of food recall data reveals a shift in the United States food safety landscape. While the frequency of recall events has increased, the volume of affected products has decreased, indicating enhanced precision and a stronger preventative framework. These developments align directly with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning health, food security, and responsible production.

Key Findings in Recent Food Recall Data

Data from the Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH) at Illinois Institute of Technology highlights several critical trends for the period of October 2024 through September 2025:

• The number of recall “events,” where a company recalls one or more products, increased compared to the previous year.
• The total number of individual products recalled within these events decreased by 300 units compared to 2024.
• The number of products recalled under the most severe Class I and Class II classifications has significantly decreased, indicating a reduction in high-risk food safety incidents.

Factors Driving a Proactive Food Safety System

The evolution in recall metrics is attributed to a multi-faceted approach that strengthens the food safety system, contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

1. Regulatory Modernization: The 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) fundamentally shifted the national strategy from reacting to contamination to preventing it. This legislation empowers the FDA to mandate recalls and has fostered a culture of prevention.
2. Technological Advancement: The implementation of superior technology with real-time traceability allows companies to isolate affected products with greater precision. This minimizes the scope of recalls, thereby reducing food waste, a key target of SDG 12.
3. Enhanced Oversight: Increased auditing by state and federal regulatory agencies, coupled with improved internal prevention programs within the food manufacturing industry, demonstrates a successful partnership model, reflecting the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
4. Globalized Supply Chains: A greater number of products with ingredients sourced globally necessitates more rigorous safety protocols and contributes to the higher frequency of preventative recall events.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The advancements in the U.S. food safety system represent tangible progress toward achieving global sustainability targets.

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Ensuring a safe and reliable food supply is a cornerstone of food security. By preventing foodborne illnesses and reducing the risk of contamination, these measures help secure access to safe and nutritious food.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): The primary objective of the food safety system is to protect public health. The data showing a decrease in severe recalls confirms that the preventative approach is effective in reducing the incidence of serious adverse health consequences from contaminated food.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The shift to highly targeted, preventative recalls significantly curtails food waste. Precise traceability ensures that only contaminated products are removed from the market, supporting sustainable production patterns.

Conclusion

The U.S. food supply is demonstrably safer due to a combination of modernized legislation, technological innovation, and collaborative oversight. The current system, focused on prevention rather than reaction, not only protects consumers but also strongly supports the global agenda for sustainable development. The reduction in high-risk recalls and the minimization of food waste through precise interventions underscore a successful alignment of public health objectives with the principles of the SDGs.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article’s central theme is food safety, which is directly linked to public health. It discusses food recalls, the prevention of foodborne illnesses, and the severity of health consequences from contaminated products, all of which are core components of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being. The classification of recalls (Class one, two, and three) explicitly relates to the potential for “serious adverse health consequences or death” or “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.”
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article touches upon the production side of the food supply chain. It mentions the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which shifted the focus to prevention rather than reaction. This involves “better prevention programs within the industry of manufactured foods” and improved auditing. Furthermore, the use of “better technology with real-time traceability” points to more responsible and efficient production and supply chain management to ensure consumer safety.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
   • The article directly addresses this target by focusing on efforts to make the food supply safer. The discussion of the FSMA, preventative recalls, and advanced technology are all aimed at reducing consumer exposure to contaminated food, thereby decreasing the incidence of foodborne illnesses and potential deaths. The article states that the majority of recalls are now “preventative and not associated to an outbreak or illness,” which is a direct contribution to this target.
2. Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle… and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
   • While the article doesn’t discuss environmental impact, it heavily focuses on minimizing the adverse impacts of the food production lifecycle on human health. The implementation of the FSMA, which mandates “better auditing” and “better prevention programs,” represents an improved management system within the food industry to prevent contamination and ensure the final product is safe for consumption, thus minimizing adverse health outcomes.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Number and type of food recall events.
   • The article explicitly provides data points that serve as indicators. It notes that while the “number of recalls did go up in 2025,” the “number of products affected within those recalls has decreased.” This suggests more precise and targeted safety actions.
2. Severity of recalled products.
   • The article points to a key indicator of progress: “the number of class one and two recalled products have significantly decreased.” This directly measures the reduction in products that could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death,” aligning with the goal of reducing illness and death from contamination.
3. Implementation of preventative systems and technology.
   • The article implies that the adoption of preventative measures is a key indicator of a safer food system. This includes the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the use of “better technology with real-time traceability,” and the establishment of “better prevention programs within the industry.” The shift from reactive to preventative recalls is a qualitative indicator of progress.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nbcchicago.com