Food recalls: Know when they happen

 

What is a food recall? 

Sometimes, a company will take their own product off store shelves. They may do this on their own, or because the U.S. government has requested they do this. Either way, this is known as a food recall.

A food recall may happen if harmful bacteria is found in that food. This may include E. coli, Listeria, or Salmonella. When this happens, it is known as an outbreak.

Food recalls may also happen for other reasons. They may happen because allergens are found in food (but not marked on the package). Recalls could also happen when harmful toxins or chemicals are detected in the food. 

What should I do if a food I purchased is part of a food recall or outbreak?

A young woman looks carefully at the label of a food product she has purchased.

If you see a food recall for a food that matches the details of something you have purchased:

1) Do not open it or eat it.

2) Check the recall notice and follow the instructions. The instructions may say you can return the product to the store. Or, it may say you should throw it away immediately. 

3) You should also clean the area in your kitchen where the recalled product was stored. 

How can I know when food recalls happen? 

Sometimes you will hear about food recalls or outbreaks on the news. But there are other ways you can find out for yourself. FoodSafety.gov offers an up-to-date list of all food recalls in the United States. Review the latest food recalls on FoodSafety.gov (This link will open in a new tab.)

Can I get an app on my phone for food recalls?

Yes! The FoodKeeper app contains the latest food recalls. By using this free app on your Android or Apple phone, you can keep up-to-date with food recalls from anywhere. The FoodKeeper app is also available on this website. (Link will open in a new tab.) But, this web-based version does not include food recalls.

To find the latest food recalls on the FoodKeeper app, follow these steps:

The "i" icon is highlighted on the FoodKeeper app.

Step 1:

Step 1: Tap on the “i” icon. You will find it at the top of your screen when you open the app.

The "Recalls" menu item is highlighted on the FoodKeeper app.

Step 2:

 Tap on “Recalls.”

An example of a recent food recall is shown on the FoodKeeper app. It is listed with the date, product name, and reason for recall.

Step 3:

Review the list of the latest food recalls.

The FoodKeeper app was created by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. It was developed with help from Cornell University and the Food Marketing Institute. It is available for Android and Apple phones. Visit your app store and search for FoodKeeper to find it. This app is free for everyone to download.

If a food is not part of a food recall list, does that mean it is safe?

No. Harmful contaminants can be present in many foods. Follow the food safety guidelines in this lesson to protect your family!


DEEPER DIVE

Review this video to learn more about how to handle product recalls.