Food and drink
The world’s leading product recall company. Supporting the food and drink sector since 1995.
EVOLVING THREATS IN FOOD SAFETY
We are proud to partner with 8/10 of the world’s leading food and drink brands.
Regulatory scrutiny has been increasing around the world in response to a number of high-profile product recalls and rising consumer expectations for product safety in the food and drink industry. Moreover, as local health officials advocate immediate action, the severity of regulatory measures against contamination and safety incidents in the sector has notably escalated to safeguard consumer health.
This heightened vigilance follows a number of fatal foodborne illness outbreaks, but the trend does not apply only to those risks. Undeclared allergens, toxins, manufacturing errors, mislabeling or unintentional cross-contamination and environmental contamination are a growing risk for food and drink manufacturers.
Since 1995, we’ve partnered with the world’s leading food and drink manufacturers to develop, test and execute over 7,000 product recall and remediation programs across 100 countries and 50 languages.
Whether you’re planning for — or currently facing — a product recall, market withdrawal or any other in-market product incident, our experts are on hand to support you.
PRODUCT RECALL MANAGEMENT FOR GROCERS
Grocers are pivotal in swiftly removing affected products from shelves by establishing proactive recall management protocols.
A strategic combination of notification services, robust call center support, and a flexible global product removal team makes the difference between executing a seamless food and beverage recall and encountering a brand crisis.
This preparedness is particularly critical for grocers with private label foods. In the event of a product recall, these grocers, akin to manufacturers, face identical standards.
For more than 25 years, we have expertly managed thousands of global food and drink recall events and market withdrawals, and expertly mastered complex and evolving regulatory guidelines. Today we are proud to partner with 8 out of the world’s leading 10 food and drink brands – discover how we can support you.
PRODUCT RECALL MANAGEMENT FOR MANUFACTURERS
Food and drink manufacturers face multifaceted challenges in ensuring product recall effectiveness.
Compliance with regulatory obligations is paramount, demanding meticulous attention to detail. Since 1995, our expertise has guided the sector through intricate regulatory landscapes, conducting meticulous on-site effectiveness checks, overseeing adherence to strict product handling standards through comprehensive quality audits, and efficiently removing violative products from the market.
The identification and notification of affected parties across the supply chain can also present significant challenges. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the supply network, swift communication, and precision in disseminating relevant information to affected stakeholders.
For more than 25 years, we have helped food and drink manufacturers orchestrate seamless communications, and have been pivotal in removing affected products from shelves and consumers’ homes with the speed and accuracy demanded by regulatory agencies. Discover how we can support you.
ESSENTIAL INSIGHT
For over a decade, Sedgwick brand protection has published its quarterly Recall Index report. Downloaded in more than 100 countries, the Index has established itself as the definitive guide to food and drink product safety. Access high-level insights below and download our latest edition in full.
U.S. Food and Drink Product Safety & Recall Insights
Quarter 2, 2024
FDA food and drink product recalls dropped by 11.9% in Q2 2024 compared to Q1, falling to 118 events. The number of impacted units declined by 68.5%, from 30.72 million in Q1 to 9.68 million in Q2.
In Q2 2024, there were 41 product recalls for undeclared allergens, continuing its streak as the leading cause of FDA food recalls. Bacterial contamination was the second-highest cause of FDA food recalls in terms of events with 37. By volume, bacterial contamination had the highest number of units recalled with 8.94 million.
The number of Class I recalls in Q2 2024 fell 35.6%, from 59 in Q1 to 38. The number of impacted units in this designation fell 10.2%, from 3.06 million to 2.75 million.
Quarter 1, 2024
The number of FDA food and drink product recalls rose by 27.6% in Q1 2024 compared to Q4 2023, increasing to 134 events. This is the second-highest quarterly number of FDA recalls in the past four years. The number of units impacted increased even more dramatically, going from 6.20 million units last quarter to 30.72 million in Q1.
There were 51 product recalls for undeclared allergens, making it the leading cause of U.S. food and drink recalls for every quarter, bar one, in the last seven years. Bacterial contamination was the second highest cause in terms of events with 34 product recalls in Q1.
The number of Class I recalls in Q1 2024 rose to 59 compared to 47 in Q4.
Quarter 4, 2023
Compared to Q3 2023, Q4 had fewer total product recalls and fewer units impacted. There were 105 FDA food recalls in Q4, down 19.8% from Q3. There were 6.20 million units recalled, an 84.6% decrease from the previous quarter.
There were 42 recalls for undeclared allergens, making it the leading cause of U.S. food and drink product recalls for all but one quarter over the last 6 years. Bacterial contamination was second in terms of events with 25 recalls in Q4. Non-bacterial contamination drove the highest volume of FDA food and drink recalls in Q4, accounting for 3.07 million units.
Produce was the top recalled product category in Q4 2023 in terms of events with 27 recalls, followed by Prepared Foods with 19 recalls and Baked Goods with 15.
Quarter 3, 2023
The total number of FDA food recalls fell by 14.4% in Q3 2023 compared to the previous quarter. The number of units decreased even more, falling from 114.06 million units in Q2 to 40.20 million in Q3, a decline of 64.8%. There were 121 unique companies who had product recalls in Q3 2023.
There were 52 recalls for undeclared allergens, making it the leading cause of U.S. food recalls for all but one quarter since Q2 2017. There were six recalls involving undeclared sesame, which affected 12,985 units. Bacterial contamination was a distant second in terms of events with 24 recalls in Q3. It also had the second-highest number of units recalled with 7.97 million. Units outside of specifications accounted for the most units impacted with 14.95 million units.
Prepared foods was the top recall product category in Q3 in terms of events with 31 recalls. Produce was the second-highest category with 25, and dairy was third with 16. In terms of units impacted, beverages had the most with 15.04 million units. Dairy was second with 11.08 million units affected, and flavorings was third with 7.14 units involved in recalls.
There were fewer Class I and II recall events in Q3 2023 compared to Q2 2023, with 38 and 74 respectively. In contrast, the number of units involved in Class I recalls jumped by 409.4% to 12.73 million. The changes with Class III recalls were even more significant. While there were only two more recalls in Q3, there were 22.27 million units impacted, the highest number in this class in the past 13 years. That figure represents an increase of 698.0% compared to the 2.79 million Class III units impacted last quarter.
EUROPEAN Food And Drink PRODUCT SAFETY & RECALL INSIGHTS
Quarter 2, 2024
In Q2 2024, regulators in the EU and UK reported 1,437 food and beverage product recalls. This marks a 6.3% increase over Q1 and a 10-year quarterly high for the sector.
The leading cause of food and beverage product recalls this quarter was non-bacterial contamination, with 544 events, followed by bacterial contamination which cited in 322 recalls.
As it has for the last 16 quarters, fruits and vegetables experienced the most recalls. There were 231 events in Q2 2024, down from 262 last quarter. Nuts, nut products, and seeds was the second-most impacted category with 157 recalls.
Quarter 1, 2024
In Q1 2024, regulators in the EU and UK reported 1,352 food and drink product recalls, the highest single-quarterly total over the last five years.
The leading cause of food and drink recalls this quarter was non-bacterial contamination with 557 events, followed by bacterial contamination which was cited in 209 recalls.
Fruits and vegetables again were the most recalled product. There were 262 events in Q1 2024, up from 216 last quarter. Nuts, nut products, and seeds was the second-most impacted category with 174 product recalls, higher than the 139 recalls last quarter. Dietetic foods, food supplements, and fortified foods was the third-highest product category with 100 recalls.
Quarter 4, 2023
Q4 2023 marked the fifth consecutive quarter of growth of product recalls in the food and beverage sector. European regulators reported a total of 1,308 recall events during this period, reflecting a 9.5% rise compared to Q3.
The leading cause of food and beverage recalls in Q4 was non-bacterial contamination, with 578 events, up from 470 last quarter. The most common contaminants of concern were aflatoxins and pesticides. The second leading concern was bacterial contamination with 241 recalls. Salmonella was the most common risk and was tied to 146 recalls, followed by Listeria with 37, and E. Coli with 29.
In Q4 2023, Fruits and vegetables was the most recalled product category 216 recalls, followed by nuts, nut products, and seeds with 139 recalls.
Quarter 3, 2023
Regulators in the EU and UK reported 1,194 food and beverage recalls in Q3 2023, up 1.1% compared to Q2 2023. The leading cause of recalls this quarter was contamination—other, with 470 events. The most common contaminants of concern were aflatoxins and chlorpyrifos, which were linked to 79 and 59 recalls respectively this quarter. The second leading concern across the food and beverage sector was bacterial contamination which was cited in 266 recalls. Salmonella was the most common bacterial risk and was tied to 182 recalls.
Fruits and vegetables remained the product category with the most recalls with 192 events in Q3 2023, down slightly from 206 last quarter. Nuts, nut products, and seeds was the second-most impacted category with 127 recalls, slightly higher than the 122 recalls last quarter. Poultry meat and poultry meat products was the third-highest product category with 122 events, up by 69.4% compared to Q2 2023.
In terms of notifications, the Netherlands recorded the most with 156. Germany was second with 146, the same number it had in Q2. Italy was third with 105 notifications. The UK submitted 29 notifications in Q3 2023, the same number it had in Q2 2023.
FOOD & DRINK REMEDIATION
Safeguarding consumer health remains paramount in every facet of food and drink product management.
While not every issue mandates a formal recall, swift and cautious action is indispensable in ensuring consumer safety.
When a product concern is detected, whether reported by a consumer or identified in the manufacturing facility, an immediate response becomes pivotal to protect both brand reputation and consumer well-being. We recognize the importance of vigilance in these situations. Our brand protection field team is capable of mobilizing within 24 hours to retrieve products from consumer homes and throughout the supply chain, submit them for testing and seamlessly facilitate replacement.
This proactive approach, although precautionary, is essential in preserving brand integrity, assuring consumer safety, and minimizing potential risks for food and drink manufacturers and grocers worldwide.
INDUSTRY-LEADING CALL CENTER SOLUTIONS
With Sedgwick Brand Protection, gain 24-7-365 access to a global team of brand ambassadors ready to field calls from concerned customers.
Our expertise extends beyond the handling and resolution of product recall inquiries, to encompass a wide range of business and drug related challenges – from market withdrawals, product safety alerts, corrective action programs, and much more. Since 1995 we have provided the food and drink industry with:
- Instant on-demand support that adds flexibility and agility to existing customer engagement infrastructures, alleviating pressure on resources as call volumes surge – ensuring vital day-to-day business operations are not compromised.
- Scalability in size and duration, from short-term engagements to long-term programs in response to one-time product recalls or persistent issues. Flexibility on-demand – simply dial up and down as required.
Case Study
5M+ high-demand units recalled. 50K retail locations. 300 agent call center live. All in under 24 hours.
Case study
When handling high-profile celebrity endorsed products, effectiveness is paramount.
Download our Recall Index
Essential insight and analysis for mitigating product recall risk
SEDGWICK BRAND PROTECTION
The world's leading product recall company
For over 25 years, companies of all sizes and sectors have trusted our expertise in preparing for and managing their product-related challenges. Since 1995, we’ve successfully managed more than 7,000 of the most sensitive and time-critical product recall programs, spanning 100 countries and 50 languages.
Whether your in-house teams need scalability to maintain daily operations during a product crisis, or you require a complete end-to-end product recall solution, we have the experience to protect your brand and peace of mind.
If you’re currently facing a product recall, or seeking to enhance your recall readiness, contact us now.
About us
Since 1995, we’ve helped the world’s leading brands uphold their commitments of product safety to customers, supply chain partners and regulators. Our unrivalled experience spans more than 7,000 of the most sensitive and time-critical recall events, in over 100 countries and 50 languages. Discover more.
Industry-leading solutions
From product recall readiness audits and mock recall simulations, to complete turn-key withdrawal, retrieval, and remediation solutions – including regulatory guidance and reporting, we have the experience and resources to help manage your product wherever it is in market. Discover more.
Essential product safety insight
Featuring unrivalled analysis and perspective on the latest product safety regulation and recall trends, the Index report is the definitive guide to help mitigate recall risk, litigation, and reputational damage caused by product crises and in-market events. Downloaded in over 100 countries – get your copy now.
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CONTACT US
Whether you’re planning for — or currently facing — a product recall, market withdrawal, or any other in-market product incident, our experts are on hand to support you.