In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable increase in product recalls across various industries, with the FDA tracking a dozen recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts. These recalls have affected a wide range of products, from ground cinnamon to eye ointment to chocolate bars.
One notable example is Trader Joe's, which has already recalled multiple items this year, including chicken soup dumplings due to potential plastic contamination. This surge in recalls is not a mere coincidence; data shows a consistent rise in product recalls over the past few years.
According to the 2024 State of the Nation Recall Index report by Sedgwick Brand Protection, there was an 11% increase in product recalls from 2022 to 2023, reaching a seven-year high. The report identified 3,301 recall events in 2023 across industries such as automotive, consumer products, food and drink, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals.
While the total number of recalls increased, the report also noted a nearly 50% decrease in defective units compared to the previous year. This trend of increasing recalls is not limited to 2023; data from 2018 to 2022 shows a 115% rise in recalls from both the FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The most common reasons for recalls cited in the report include allergens, foodborne illnesses, contamination risks, child safety, and fire hazards. One contributing factor to the rise in recalls could be stricter regulations implemented in recent years.
For instance, the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011 introduced more stringent regulations and empowered the FDA to order recalls from manufacturers. Additionally, the pandemic led to the adoption of more rigorous product safety guidelines, with the FDA conducting remote testing and inspections.
While some of these policies were relaxed post-pandemic, others remain in effect. Looking ahead to 2024, experts anticipate continued regulatory oversight and emphasize the importance for businesses to prepare for potential product recalls and in-market crises.
