What’s The Deal With All Those Food Recalls In The News?

McDonald’s received the sort of publicity it didn’t want a few days ago when an E. coli outbreak across at least 10 states was linked to the fast food chain’s Quarter Pounder. But in the grand scheme of things, this is just one in what seems to be an endless string of news stories about food recalls and investigations.

But are there really more than normal or are media outlets simply devoting more time to covering them?

Perception vs. reality

Dozens of people reported becoming sick after eating at McDonald’s, including at least 10 who required hospitalization and one who died. But foodborne illnesses are nothing new, so this case warrants some context: Is it just an isolated incident or the latest sign of a troubling trend.

In addition to the E. coli outbreak believed to be connected to either the onions or beef used by McDonald’s, there are two other serious advisories currently active.

Products including waffles and Boar’s Head deli meat have been linked to a deadly listeria outbreak and common items like eggs and green onions were contaminated with salmonella.

But while there is evidence that the number of recalls official alerts ticked up last year, the annual total was still lower than any year between 2018 and 2020.

Cause and effect

When it comes to explaining the recent rise in cases of foodborne illness, experts say there are a few likely causes:

• A more complex food system
• A higher number of imported foods
• An increase in processed foods

Each of these factors can potentially increase the likelihood of contamination at some point in the process.

Northeastern University food policy expert Darin Detwiler advised the public to “assume that food is always contaminated” and remain “vigilant” in the process of buying, preparing, and consuming everything.

Chris Agee October 25th, 2024

Share this story: