The Growing Threat of Contaminated Food in the U.S.: Understanding the Risks and Challenges

Rising Illnesses and Deaths Linked to Contaminated Food

Contaminated food is becoming an increasingly pressing public health concern in the United States. According to a recent report by the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), a nonprofit focused on consumer protection, there were approximately 300 food recalls in 2024, resulting in nearly 1,400 illnesses. Alarmingly, these incidents led to 487 hospitalizations and 19 deaths, marking a significant doubling of hospitalizations and fatalities compared to the previous year. This concerning trend underscores the need for greater vigilance in food safety to protect consumers.

While the total number of food recalls under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2024 slightly decreased compared to 2023, the severity of the cases worsened. The FDA, which regulates over 75% of the nation’s food supply, saw an 8% increase in recalls, while the USDA, responsible for meat, poultry, and some egg and fish products, reported a 38% drop. Teresa Murray, director of PIRG’s consumer watchdog program, emphasized that the number of recalls alone does not necessarily reflect the safety of the food supply. More recalls can indicate proactive testing by regulators, and many are resolved before causing harm. However, the sharp rise in hospitalizations and deaths signals a potential increase in contamination levels, with higher bacterial concentrations leading to more severe outcomes.

Major Outbreaks and Their Impact on Public Health

The report revealed that nearly all foodborne illnesses in 2024 were tied to just 13 outbreaks, many of which involved well-known brands. For instance, E. coli contamination in onions used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder sandwiches caused 104 illnesses, 34 hospitalizations, and one death. Similarly, Listeria contamination in Boar’s Head deli meats led to 61 illnesses, 60 hospitalizations, and 10 fatalities. These incidents highlight the vulnerabilities in the food supply chain and the potential consequences of contamination.

Contaminated meat, eggs, and produce were among the most common culprits, with cucumbers alone accounting for over a third of hospitalizations, primarily due to a Salmonella outbreak in June. Onions and carrots were also significant sources of illness. Murray noted that raw, uncooked foods pose the highest risks, as bacteria on these items can multiply if not handled properly. Cooking, which often kills harmful bacteria, is not an option for many raw foods, making them a recurring source of contamination.

The Role of Bacterial Outbreaks and Undeclared Allergens

In 2024, recalls related to Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli increased by more than 40%, with these three bacteria collectively causing over a third of all food recalls. These pathogens remain some of the most dangerous contaminants in the food supply, leading to severe illnesses and, in some cases, death.

Undeclared allergens, such as peanuts or tree nuts not listed on product labels, were the top reason for recalls, though their prevalence improved compared to 2023, when they accounted for nearly half of all recalls. This improvement may be attributed to increased awareness among food producers about the need to disclose allergens, including sesame, which has recently gained recognition as a major allergen requiring proper labeling. Despite these advancements, undeclared allergens remain a critical issue, posing life-threatening risks to those with severe allergies.

Policy Reforms and Technological Advancements in Food Safety

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2011, has played a crucial role in enhancing food safety by introducing new regulations on good manufacturing practices, agricultural water, and hazard mitigation strategies. While the law has been instrumental in improving the safety of the food supply, its implementation has been gradual, with key provisions, such as the Produce Safety rule, only being finalized in 2016.

Technological progress has also contributed to identifying foodborne illness outbreaks and tracing their sources more effectively. Dr. Donald Schaffner, a food safety expert, highlighted the role of whole genome sequencing in enabling the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to link outbreaks across multiple states more efficiently. This advanced technology allows investigators to pinpoint the source of contamination, a task that was previously challenging.

Moving Forward: Challenges and Opportunities in Food Safety

The food safety landscape is poised for change, with key figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who will oversee the FDA as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, prioritizing reforms to the food system. These reforms aim to address diet-related chronic diseases, reduce corporate influence, eliminate conflicts of interest between industry and government, and remove toxic chemicals from the food supply.

President Donald Trump’s recent executive order establishing the Make America Healthy Again Commission further underscores the growing recognition of food safety and public health as critical national priorities. The commission’s focus on working with farmers to ensure that U.S. food is not only safe but also the healthiest and most affordable in the world reflects a broader commitment to improving the food system.

However, the potential upheaval at federal health agencies has raised concerns among public health experts, who worry about the impact of policy changes on food safety regulations. Despite these uncertainties, the responsibility for ensuring a safe food supply remains shared among manufacturers, regulators, and consumers. As Murray emphasized, “We wouldn’t need recalls if food was safe from the start,” highlighting the need for stronger industry practices, stricter regulatory oversight, and greater public awareness.

Empowering Consumers to Stay Safe

For consumers seeking to minimize their risk of foodborne illnesses, Murray recommends three key steps: not leaving food out, regularly washing hands and utensils when handling food, and staying informed about recalls. Signing up for alerts from grocery stores or using apps that provide real-time recall notifications can help consumers make safer choices.

While the U.S. food supply remains one of the safest in the world, the increasing number of severe foodborne illnesses and deaths serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety. By addressing these issues through policy reforms, technological advancements, and shared responsibility, the nation can work toward a healthier and safer food system for all.