Recent trend analysis of USDA and FDA product recalls indicate an interesting trend. Volumes of recalled food increased significantly. This pertains to foods regulated by both US agencies – FDA and USDA.
The increase was noticed in the 3rd quarter of 2025 as compared to the second quarter. Under FDA the number of recalls increased only but nearly 1.4% but the volume of food removed from the market was over 75% higher than in the second quarter of the year. With FSIS USDA that increase was even more significant. While the number of recall events fell by half, the volume of food being recalled jumped by over 5,500%.
The dramatic increase in the amount of food being recalled doesn’t mean that the food is less safe. It means that in most cases larger producers were involved.
There is an overall increase in the number of FDA recalls compared to 2024. Year-to-date, there have been 415 FDA recalls impacting 109.74 million units. During the same period in 2024, there were 363 recalls affecting only 45.02 million units.
With USDA recalls we also saw an increase in both the number of recalls and volume of food compared to 2024.
Year-to-date, there have been 30 FSIS recalls involving 59.99 million pounds in 2025. This compares with 28 recalls, impacting 7.91 million pounds from January through September 2024.
In FDA recalls predominant reason for product recalls remain undeclared allergens followed by bacterial contamination. Looking at the FSIS USDA recalls the foreign material moved to the front and currently is the primary reason for recalls. This includes the recent corn dogs recall due to wood pieces. FSIS conducts frequent product recalls for facilities operating without inspection and this was the second largest reason for removing violative product from the market. The third issue resulting in product recalls remains bacterial contamination followed by undeclared allergens.
In conclusion, while the number of recalls rose minimally as compared to 2024, the volume of food increased dramatically. This shows that even large manufacturers with adequate resources struggle at times with food safety. Each company involved in recall must investigate the root cause and account for the unforeseen hazard in their HACCP / Food Safety plan. While there is no trend analysis on the most common root causes of product recalls, we may suspect that training of the ones involved in food production is the most likely a factor contributing to product recalls.
At BD Food Safety Consultants LLC our team of professionals assists our clients with FDA and USDA regulatory compliance and help during regulatory inspections. Whether you need a solid review and assessment of your food safety system or help with food safety plan development please reach out via our website – https://bdfoodsafety.com/contact-us/ or call 815-641-6404.