American consumers are increasingly concerned about food recalls, with recent surveys indicating heightened awareness and changes in purchasing behavior. A recent GS1 US survey involving 1,000 U.S. adults revealed that 94% of respondents are worried about the frequency of food recalls, which reflects a slight increase from 93% in the previous year. This concern comes amidst significant recalls leading to disease outbreaks over the summer.
Confidence in the effectiveness of recalls to safeguard public health has diminished, with only 80% of participants believing in their efficacy compared to 85% previously. Notable outbreaks included salmonella linked to jalapeño peppers from Mexico, affecting at least 431 people in 32 states, according to the FDA. Additionally, an outbreak of cyclospora related to iceberg lettuce was reported, causing 11,458 illnesses across 20 states.
Consumer sentiment has shifted significantly, influencing choices beyond the recalled items. The survey found 67% of adults avoided entire food categories following recalls, up from 60% the year before. Furthermore, 66% reported hesitation in repurchasing the same product or brand, marking an increase from previous data.
Women showed significant changes in purchasing habits, with 71% avoiding entire food categories post-recall compared to 63% of men. Concurrently, 59% of consumers expressed willingness to pay more for products with detailed information.
Understanding Food Recalls
The FDA defines food recalls as removing market items that violate regulations. Recalls may be voluntarily initiated but can also be requested or mandated by the FDA. While most foods are regulated by the FDA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees meat, poultry, and processed egg products.
Reasons for recalls vary widely and include bacterial contamination, labeling errors, and foreign material presence. Data from FDA’s recall reports from 2021 to 2025 reveal that allergen contamination accounts for 45.2% of recalls. Bacterial contamination causes 22.6%, with pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria being primary culprits. Foreign objects, such as plastic and metal, contribute to 10.8% of recalls.
Trace One analysis noted the rise in total food recalls from 505 in 2021 to 613 in 2025, a 21.4% increase. Class I recalls, posing high health risks, saw a 36.4% rise during this period.
Consumer Response Post-Recalls
Despite awareness, GS1 US data shows most do not completely abandon brands after a recall. Only 9% stated they would never buy a previously recalled brand. Factors influencing return include the time elapsed since recall (39%), severity of contamination (39%), and official recommendations (35%).
Bob Carpenter, GS1 US President and CEO, emphasized recalls as consumer protection strategies. He advocated for enhanced tracing methods to quickly identify affected products and provide clear safety information.