FDA Alert: Companies Issue Multiple Food Recalls in Q1

INDIANAPOLISWhen it comes to pulling food from the market due to safety concerns, many companies are finding themselves in double trouble, according to a business that manages recalls on behalf of the food and beverage sectors.

In the first quarter of 2013, roughly 73% of food recalls documented by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) involved companies with two or more recalls, Stericycle ExpertRECALL announced Wednesday, citing its index.

The index found 133 companies recalled 9.7 million units of food ranging from bread and flour products to bagged fruits and vegetables to frozen entrees.

It is not unusual for companies to face more than one recall at a time, driven largely by the fact that ingredients are used in more than one product," explained Mike Rozembajgier, vice president of Stericycle ExpertRECALL, in a statement. However, the ongoing trend of multiple product recalls can complicate the logistics of a recall, making it harder for companies to communicate to consumers and maintain trust in their brand."

For the first time since its inception, the index included data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which regulates meat, poultry and egg products. In its analysis of the data, Stericycle ExpertRECALL discovered that "extraneous material" including traces of plastic was the biggest cause of recalls that USDA requested during the quarter, constituting 28% of all recalls.

Undeclared allergens were responsible for five product recalls, representing the second most frequent cause of recalls that USDA reported, according to Stericycle ExpertRECALL.

In light of a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on increased levels of food allergies in children, the USDA data "is a poignant reminder to food companies just how important managing food ingredients and food labeling is," Stericycle ExpertRECALL said. "It also points to the need for a clear and well-rehearsed recall plan for when issues arise."