Recalls reshape American attitudes toward food safety

A GS1 US survey of 1,000 U.S. adults finds rising concern about food recalls and waning faith that recalls protect public health, in the wake of high-profile outbreaks linked to jalapeño peppers and iceberg lettuce. Following these recalls, many consumers are changing buying habits: 67% have avoided an entire food category and 66% would hesitate to buy the same product or brand again, though most would still consider returning to a recalled brand. There is a demand for clearer product information and faster traceability, while allergens are the leading recall cause (about 45%), followed by bacterial contamination and foreign materials; total recalls rose 2021–2025 (505 to 613), with Class I recalls up 36.4%.