Watchdog raises alarm over food recall process

(InvestigateTV) — A new report by a consumer advocacy group raises questions about how quickly the public learns about some food recalls and outbreaks.

Foodborne illness is a major public health issue. The Government Accountability Office says it costs Americans an estimated $75 billion a year in medical care, lost productivity and premature deaths.

Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog with U.S. PIRG, said the public needs timely, clear information when food safety problems emerge.

“So, there’s a lot of detective work that takes place, so it’s understandable that it does take time. We still think that it takes way too long. Like it shouldn’t take years,” Murray said.

PIRG’s new Food for Thought 2026 report looked at 28 foodborne illness outbreaks announced in 2025.

The group said those outbreaks were linked to just over 1,000 reported illnesses.

It said salmonella was the most common cause, linked to 15 outbreaks and 636 illnesses.

Related: Outbreak: Tainted food sickens millions each year

PIRG said one of its biggest concerns is that many of those outbreak investigations did not lead to a publicly announced recall.

The group also raises concerns that some U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated recalls are not posted on the FDA’s recall page, which the FDA itself notes does not include all recalls.

“Well, come on, if you’re not posting the recall announcements on the FDA’s recall website that people rely on to find out if they’ve got something in their freezer or in their pantry, how are they supposed to find out? Like really? How are they supposed to find out?” Murray said.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the FDA said the agency uses several methods to reach consumers, including press releases, alerts and public notices.

Murray said concerned consumers can take steps on their own, including shopping at stores that alert customers when products they bought have been recalled.

“A lot of the grocery stores are doing that now, so they will send out an automated text message or email or even a phone call,” Murray said.

The FDA’s full statement:

“While FDA will review credible information it receives, the Agency does not comment on results and data from third-party sources for which we cannot validate the information or methodology.

Regarding the FSMA Final Rule on Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods, extending the compliance date can be an opportunity to provide more time to identify, test and implement solutions. Traceability is not just about faster recalls. It’s about system awareness and visibility as a form of prevention. It requires sweeping communication and collaboration across the supply chain. For more, please see FSMA Final Rule on Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods | FDA.

The FDA employs multiple coordinated mechanisms to protect consumers and ensure effective recalls. FDA works with industry to require implementation of preventive controls that address known and reasonably foreseeable hazards. The agency enforces preventive control requirements, monitors recall data and root causes of contamination, and evaluates trends to adapt oversight strategies in an increasingly complex food system.

The FDA uses several methods to reach consumers, including press releases, alerts, and public notices, publication of recall information on FDA’s website, social media amplification, one-page summaries for grocery stores to display prominently, and direct coordination with retailers to ensure recalled products are removed from shelves.

Further, the FDA conducts Recall Audit Checks to verify the effectiveness of firm recall efforts, including whether retailers and distributors have been properly informed and have taken appropriate action. The agency works closely with state and local partners, who conduct in-person inspections to confirm recalled products are no longer available. The FDA coordinates with federal, state, and local authorities to help to ensure coverage of the safety of the food supply chain and reduce duplicative regulatory efforts.

Consumers can be confident that recalls are a critical public health tool working as intended—removing unsafe products from commerce while the FDA continues its mission to reduce foodborne illness through prevention, rapid detection, and coordinated response.”