Rising Concerns about Food Recalls Among Americans

Increasing Concerns About Food Safety

Americans are growing more apprehensive about food recalls. Recent polling highlights significant shifts in consumer perceptions and purchasing habits. A GS1 US survey conducted with 1,000 U.S. adults shows a rise in concern over frequent food recalls—94 percent expressed worry, slightly up from 93 percent in prior years.

Confidence in recall effectiveness also declined, dropping from 85 to 80 percent. This change follows several high-profile recall incidents, such as a salmonella outbreak involving jalapeño peppers from Mexico. The outbreak affected 431 people across 32 states, leading to 57 hospitalizations according to the FDA.

Another concerning case was cyclospora contamination in iceberg lettuce, which resulted in 11,458 reported illnesses across 20 states, 495 hospitalizations, and two deaths. Such events have influenced consumer attitudes beyond the recalled products.

Shifts in Consumer Behavior

The survey indicates significant impacts on consumer behavior. 67 percent of adults reported avoiding entire food categories after recalls, a notable rise from 60 percent previously. Hesitation to repurchase the same product or brand increased from 59 percent to 66 percent.

Women, in particular, demonstrated greater changes in shopping habits; 71 percent avoided entire food categories post-recall compared to 63 percent of men. Additionally, 59 percent of consumers expressed willingness to pay more for products with comprehensive information provided.

Understanding Food Recalls

The FDA describes a food recall as removing products that contravene its regulations. While recalls are often voluntary by manufacturers, the FDA can request or enforce recalls. Generally, the FDA covers most foods, whereas the USDA oversees meat, poultry, and processed egg products.

Reasons for recalls vary, including bacterial threats, labeling mistakes, and the presence of foreign materials. Trace One’s analysis of FDA recall data from 2021 to 2025 revealed allergen contamination as the primary recall cause, constituting 45.2 percent. This includes exposure to allergens like milk, wheat, or nuts without necessary labels.

Bacterial contamination accounted for 22.6 percent, involving pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. Foreign objects led to 10.8 percent of recalls, comprising items like plastic, metal, or rocks that pose consumption risks. Lead contamination made up only 0.1 percent.

The same study combined FDA and USDA data, showing total recalls increased from 505 in 2021 to 613 in 2025, reflecting a 21.4 percent rise. Class I recalls, involving severe health risks, surged by 36.4 percent over the same timeframe.

Consumer Sentiments Post-Recalls

Despite heightened concerns, findings suggest many consumers do not permanently forsake brands post-recall. Only 9 percent said they would not buy a recalled brand again. Among those open to repurchasing, 39 percent consider the time elapsed since recall, 39 percent look at contamination severity, and 35 percent rely on official recommendations.

Bob Carpenter, president of GS1 US, remarked that recalls are vital for consumer protection. He emphasized that improved product tracing could assist companies in quickly identifying affected items and provide clearer safety information to consumers.