These headlines might make you anxious about what is safe to eat.
But are there actually moreListeria-linked outbreaks and food recalls happening?
Why Are We Seeing More Listeria Recalls Lately?
Photo Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health; Getty Images
However, the size of high-profile recalls and the effects of the contamination have been far-reaching.
This is far larger than in 2023, when theUSDA listedjust over 78,000 pounds of recalled foods linked toListeriacontamination.
Theoutbreak linked to Boars Headhas affected 59 people in 19 states and has been linked to 10 deaths.
We certainly have not conquered microbiological food-borne illness, Gremillion said.
Improved tools for detecting outbreaks may also explain why there have been more recalls.
Public health authorities can submit molecular fingerprinting from the bacteria to the CDC, Schaffner explained.
In October, Oklahoma-based BrucePacannounceda voluntary recall of over 11 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.
Those products wereused in everythingfrom Trader Joes lemon chicken and arugula salad to Costcos mini chicken burritos.
Currently, no illnesses or deaths have been reported in relation to this recall.
This is down 11% from 2019.
Food safety in the U.S. is overseen by either the USDA or the FDA.
The USDA has struggled to recruit and retain inspectors as well.
The USDA has also faced scrutiny afterreducing routine microbiological testingthis year.
The bacteria that led to the BrucePac recall was discovered as part of this routine FSIS testing.
Its a constant struggle for them.
Theyve always been behind on food, and they generally have a pretty bad reputation in terms of enforcement.
Outbreak response is a high priority area for FDA, an FDA spokesperson told Verywell in an email.
To stay safe, check the latest food recall announcements and maintain proper food storage and preparation practices.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Listeriaoutbreak linked to meats sliced at delis.
