Food Recalls: More Common or Just More Visible?

As fresh cucumbers join the growing list of recalled foods this season—with 68 people sickened across 19 states—many people are wondering about foodborne illness risks. From contaminated carrots to tainted deli meats, food safety alerts seem increasingly common.

The Truth Behind the Trends

"The headlines can be alarming," says Marina Keller, MD, infectious disease specialist at WMCHealth, "but they're actually a sign of our robust food safety system identifying and removing risks before widespread harm occurs."

According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data, recall numbers in 2024 remain consistent with previous years, and are actually lower than pre-pandemic levels. What's changed is our heightened awareness, thanks to advanced detection technologies and extensive media coverage that amplifies these incidents.

Understanding How Contamination Happens

Several factors contribute to how contamination occurs and spreads:

• Our increasingly global food supply chain means ingredients travel further and pass through more hands
• The rise in processed and ready-to-eat foods creates additional opportunities for contamination
• Better testing technology helps detect problems that might have gone unnoticed before

"When we treat patients with foodborne illnesses, we often trace their exposure to common pathogens like E. coli, listeria and salmonella," says Dr. Keller. "These bacteria can enter the food supply through contaminated irrigation water, inadequate sanitation during processing or cross-contamination on unclean surfaces."

Protecting Your Family

To stay safe, Dr. Keller recommends following basic food safety practices:

• Wash hands thoroughly
• Keep raw meats separate from other foods
• Cook to proper temperatures
• Stay informed about current recalls through the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites

Food recalls can be alarming, but they highlight the effectiveness of our food safety systems. If you or a loved one experience symptoms of foodborne illness such as severe diarrhea, fever, or prolonged vomiting, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. Our dedicated infectious disease specialists at WMCHealth are here to provide expert care and support.

Trust in Our Expertise: Find a provider near you at WMCHealth.org or call 914.372.7887. Your health and safety are our top priorities.