Third Quarter Data from Sedgwick Shows Food Recalls Down from Last Quarter

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Sedgwick, a global provider of technology-enabled risk, benefits and integrated business solutions, published its latest U.S. product recall index report. According to the report findings, the combination of operational challenges and increasingly aggressive safety regulators is leading to increased recalls and enforcement actions across industries.

The report reveals the latest recall data, trends, risks and predictions businesses need to know as they prepare to navigate assertive regulators emboldened by a Democratic majority in the U.S. government and an increasingly collaborative regulatory environment abroad.

Highlights include third quarter data and predictions for what to expect in the remainder of 2021 and into 2022:

Third quarter recall data for food industry:

Food recalls dropped 11.3% to 94 events in the third quarter. These recalls impacted just 2.4 million units, representing a 69.7% decrease quarter-over-quarter.

Looking ahead to 2022:

The FDA's New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint remains a driving force for the industry. But as food and beverage manufacturers face continued workforce challenges, the fourth pillar of the blueprint — food safety culture – will become even more critical. Companies should be prepared to embrace new technologies and evolve with new regulatory guidance as the industry innovates.