The US government is ramping up efforts to enhance food safety, with recalls serving as a crucial reminder of the work being done to safeguard the nation's food supply. Rapid tracing of potentially contaminated food to its source is key to preventing illnesses and bolstering public health.
Foods such as fresh produce and eggs are often linked to foodborne illnesses. In response, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated measures in November 2022 to improve the traceability of these foods through the supply chain.
Industry and FDA officials acknowledge the health and financial impacts of foodborne illness outbreaks. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that outbreaks tied to leafy greens from 2014 to 2021 resulted in 2,028 reported illnesses, 477 hospitalizations, and 18 deaths. Moreover, broad recalls can lead to significant product losses, as exemplified by a $320-$400 million loss from a 2018 romaine lettuce recall.
Recurring outbreaks and recalls can also erode public trust in the food supply. To address this, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act has directed the FDA to establish additional recordkeeping requirements for entities handling high-risk foods. Compliance with these enhanced requirements is due by January 20, 2026.
The FDA has compiled a list of foods requiring additional traceability records, including nut butters, certain fresh produce, and ready-to-eat deli salads. While target dates for implementing and enforcing these new requirements have been set, the FDA is yet to finalize an implementation plan.
Source: www.gao.gov