Increase in Food Safety Recalls Raises Concerns

A surge in food recalls and outbreaks this summer has raised questions about food safety in the U.S., impacting consumer confidence.

Bill Marler’s law practice is seeing an unprecedented surge, driven by a rise in cases related to foodborne illnesses. Marler, a prominent food safety lawyer with over three decades of experience, has recently expanded his team due to the influx of cases, stating, “We just have too much shit to do.” This summer, Americans have faced numerous food safety alerts, including a significant Cyclospora outbreak in iceberg lettuce that caused over 10,000 illnesses, 454 hospitalizations, and two fatalities. Reports of Salmonella in jalapeños and eggs, as well as E. coli in frozen blueberries, have further compounded the situation, along with various recalls for possible contamination and undisclosed allergens.

By August, the FDA had issued public health advisories encompassing a wide range of food products, leading consumers to question the safety of their diets. Marler expressed frustration, saying, “As a consumer, you’re looking at this like, well, what the hell’s safe to eat?” This summer stands out in food safety discussions, although some experts argue that perceptions may be skewed by improved detection and reporting. Craig Hedberg, a professor at the University of Minnesota, noted that, despite a notable Cyclospora outbreak, the occurrences of foodborne illnesses are consistent with trends from previous years.

According to Hedberg, summer usually sees a spike in foodborne illnesses linked to items such as sprouts and produce. The current Cyclospora outbreak is unusual due to its scale, but many issues remain familiar. Jennifer McEntire, founder of Food Safety Strategy, pointed out that recall numbers can be misleading. A single contaminated ingredient affecting multiple products can inflate recall statistics, even if the underlying causes are fewer.

California Dairies faced scrutiny this spring when certain bulk batches of powdered milk were recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination. This led to widespread industry recalls as numerous products were impacted downstream. Experts, including Hedberg, emphasize that advancements in outbreak detection have played a significant role in revealing more foodborne issues. The adoption of whole-genome sequencing by public health laboratories has linked previously disconnected Salmonella and E. coli cases, enhancing surveillance efforts.

The modern food supply chain, designed for year-round availability and convenience, has its own vulnerabilities. Marler referenced a major E. coli outbreak in 2006 connected to bagged spinach, arguing that contemporary distribution systems can exacerbate problems upon contamination. Hedberg added that once produce is tainted, decontamination is virtually impossible.

This summer’s issues have also been exacerbated by substantial cuts to public health resources initiated during the Trump administration. These included workforce reductions and funding cuts for local health departments. As Marler put it, “Our public health systems have been chronically underfunded for a long time, and we’re seeing that worsen.” The FDA has defended its staffing decisions while acknowledging the climbing number of foodborne illness clusters in 2026.

The historical context of food safety issues indicates a culture that allows for imperfect safety measures. Some high-risk foods have significantly improved due to regulatory interventions, as evident after past crises involving hamburgers. Despite concerns raised this summer, experts assert that most food moving through the system is safe, with Hedberg warning against allowing a single severe outbreak to distort public perception of everyday food safety.