The number of food recalls had increased immensely in 2024, with approximately 1,908 products recalled. This number has been the highest number since 2019, when approximately 2,046 food and cosmetic products were recalled. The reason for 2024 having a high-profile food recall was due to different administrations improving the surveillance and being able to trace foodborne illness. There has also been new technology that has helped investigators detect the outbreak and find its source.
“I think the rise of the outbreaks has made consumers more concerned about food safety and has made it to the point where consumers are concerned if the food they are consuming is safe,” said Marshfield High School student Avah Stump.
In recent months there has been a significant E.Coli outbreak linked to fast food restaurants, particularly McDonald’s. The outbreak caused nearly 50 reported cases across 10 states, leading to one death and ten hospitalizations. The outbreak was primarily linked to McDonald’s quarter pounder hamburgers; it was suspected that raw onions were the culprit. Colo., Neb., Ore., Wash., Utah, and Kan. are just some of the states where there were reported cases.
In response to the outbreak, other fast food chains temporarily removed raw onions from their menu. Some of these fast food chains include Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut. McDonald’s has also removed their quarter pounder from their menu at some locations. The Center for Disease Control released a statement regarding the outbreak, addressing the contamination and the steps they had taken to better the situation.
McDonald’s hasn’t been the only one in the spotlight; organic carrots were recalled from the distribution brand Grimmway Farms. These carrots were sold to major supermarkets across the country including Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Walmart and others. Approximately 39 cases were reported across 18 states, this had resulted in 15 people hospitalized. Most cases were reported from New York, Minn., Wash., Calif., and Ore. Broccoli had also been recalled due to E Coli concerns. The product included in the 4 Earth Farms was recalled after Grimmway Farms announced their nationwide recall of the organic carrots due to some carrots being in the vegetable mix that also included the broccoli. The products included in the recall were distributed in New Hamp., Fla., Calif., Colo., Minn., and Ill.
It was discovered that iceberg and romaine lettuce was also linked to E coli and was under investigation, particularly that from Taylor Farms. Approximately 115 people were contaminated at a school banquet, two veterans events, and a funeral which were all catered by the same company. The outbreak was reported on November 14, as more cases arose. There were 69 cases of E coli infections reported across ten states. The contaminated lettuce is past its shelf life and is no longer available on the market. There aren’t any risks to the public and consumers are still able to buy romain and iceberg lettuce with no worry. Although the investigation is still ongoing and could potentially reveal other details as time progresses.