Food Recalls Rose in Fourth Quarter 2011, Index Finds

Food recalls across the nation increased 50 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 and affected over 80 percent more units compared with the previous three-month period, according to the quarterly ExpertRecall Index report. Conversely, the index found that consumer product, pharmaceutical and medical device recalls decreased compared with previous quarters.

 

Undeclared allergens remained the leading factor in initiating food recalls, accounting for more than a third of food recalls in the quarter. Concerns about Listeria contamination were the second-leading cause of fourth-quarter recalls, accounting for almost 20 percent of all food recalls listed on the FDA's website from October through December.

 

"Despite the drop in several other categories, the sharp increase in food product recalls is cause for concern," said Mike Rozembajgier, vice president of recalls at Stericycle ExpertRecall. "Food recalls are challenging because they affect all consumers. Ensuring consumer safety during food recalls is complicated further when food is repackaged for storage or put in re-sealable containers, eliminating any chance of identifying the food in our homes as having been recalled."

 

The ExpertRecall Index report is available at www.expertrecall.com/recallindex.