Food Recalls Aren’t Climbing—Data Show Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Data through Aug. 18 show FDA recalls this year (860) are below historical levels—roughly 15% under the five-year average and 29% under the 10-year average—while a large cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce dominates headlines. Major recalls this year include iceberg lettuce, jalapeños, alfalfa sprouts, eggs, and frozen berries. Experts caution that fewer recalls don’t necessarily mean safer food, noting that reduced surveillance/testing can hide problems and that the severity and spread of outbreaks matter more than recall counts.