Food safety is once again in the spotlight, and the numbers are hard to ignore. While the total number of food recalls did not increase in 2024, the number of people who were hospitalized or died after eating contaminated food more than doubled.
That sharp rise is raising serious concerns about how food is being monitored and what steps consumers should be taking to protect themselves. In the following article, we break down what is behind the increase, which foods were most affected, and how you can stay informed and safe.
More Illness, Fewer Recalls?
At first glance, the numbers don’t seem alarming: in 2024, the FDA issued 241 food and beverage recalls, which is an 8% increase over the year before. Alternatively, USDA recalls actually dropped by 38%. Combined, the total number of recalls was slightly lower than in 2023.
But according to the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), nearly 1,400 people still got sick, and hospitalizations and deaths more than doubled, with 487 people hospitalized and 19 deaths linked to recalled food last year. That’s proof that fewer recalls don’t necessarily mean food is safer.
What’s Making People Sick?
Undeclared allergens were the leading cause of food recalls in 2024, but bacterial contamination was not far behind. Together, Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli were linked to nearly 40 percent of all reported recalls. These harmful bacteria pose a significant health risk, particularly for pregnant individuals, young children, seniors, and people with compromised immune systems.
One of the most serious incidents involved a Listeria outbreak at a Boar’s Head facility in Virginia, which led to multiple deaths and forced the company to permanently shut down the plant. It was the deadliest Listeria-related outbreak in over a decade.
Norovirus remains another significant concern. Though not always named in official recall notices, it continues to be the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea linked to foodborne illness in the United States. It spreads easily and can quickly affect large groups through contaminated food or surfaces.
Why Are Cases Going Up?
Some experts believe part of the reason for the increase in reported illness is better testing. According to registered dietitian Toby Amidor, new technology helps detect contamination faster, which can reduce the scope of outbreaks, even if it results in more reported cases. So while the numbers are still grim, faster detection may help limit long-term damage.
How To Protect Yourself
It’s impossible to avoid all risk, but you can reduce your chances of getting sick by following smart food safety habits at home. The PIRG recommends these key practices:
- Wash your hands and kitchen tools regularly
- Keep raw meat separate from other foods
- Use a thermometer to check that meat is cooked safely
- Wash fruits and vegetables, even those you plan to peel
- Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours (or one hour if above 90°F)
- Thaw frozen foods in the fridge, rather than on the kitchen counter
If you or someone in your household is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, additional steps may help, such as reheating deli meats to 165°F and avoiding unpasteurized milk or soft cheeses.
How To Stay In The Know
One of the most effective ways to stay safe during a food recall is by keeping up with official alerts. Several government agencies regularly update recall notices online, including:
- FDA: “Recalls, Market Withdrawals, and Safety Alerts” page
- USDA FSIS: Food Safety and Inspection Service recall listings
- CDC: Tracks multi-state foodborne outbreaks
- Apps: Download apps like “Food Recalls and Alerts” for quick updates on your phone
Registered dietitian Elizabeth Shaw says staying alert to recalls is one of the most important steps consumers can take. “It helps you catch problems early and act fast if a product in your kitchen is affected.”
What To Do If There’s A Recall
If you discover that a recalled product is in your home, take action right away. Most items can be returned to the store for a refund, but if that is not possible, wrap the item securely and throw it in the trash. Do not donate it, share it with others, or feed it to pets, even if it looks or smells fine.
The bottom line is that foodborne illness is still a serious concern, but staying informed and taking simple steps like checking recall notices and handling food safely at home can go a long way in protecting your health. Keeping these habits in mind as 2025 continues will help reduce risk and make your kitchen a safer place.