September 7, 2021

Why Are Foods Recalled? What You Need to Know

The short answer from a wellness dietitian

bacteria on lettuce

Q: Why does a food get recalled, and what should I do if I’ve eaten it?

A: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalls foods that have been contaminated by bacteria, foreign objects or undisclosed allergens.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

A recall may follow an outbreak of food-borne illness, caused by food-borne pathogens such as salmonella or listeria. It may also follow detection of a contaminant in a plant or facility where food is processed, before it reaches humans or when it is mislabeled.

Recall notices are usually specific, detailing the months in which the product was sold, the locations, the expiration dates and even parts of serial numbers.

You usually know you’ve eaten a contaminated product by the symptoms that emerge after consumption. Some are mild, but allergic reactions to undisclosed dairy, nuts, eggs, gluten or soy can be quite serious. So can reactions to sulfites in those with sensitivity.

Advertisement

Symptoms reported with food recalls include:

  • Gastric distress/diarrhea.
  • Fever.
  • Itchy mouth or throat, skin rash, hives.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Vomiting.
  • Confusion.

If you are pregnant, have a compromised immune system or are very young or very old, contact your doctor’s office if you think you’ve eaten contaminated food. If you believe you’re having an allergic reaction to a food, follow your doctor’s instructions for promptly managing your reaction.

Knowledge is power. To limit future exposure to contaminated foods, sign up for FDA food safety recall alerts at www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ or www.foodsafety.gov/recalls/.

Advertisement

—Registered dietitian Nicole Hopsecger, RD, LD.

Related Articles

person walking away from toilet holding upset stomach
January 24, 2024
Fried Rice Syndrome: Why It Happens and How To Avoid It

Keep cooked rice and pasta in your fridge — not on your counter — to help prevent this sneaky food poisoning

Person buying vegetables from a farmer's market.
October 12, 2023
What Is Food Insecurity? And Tips for Healthier Living in a Food Desert

When nutritious foods are hard to come by, your health can suffer

Closeup of okra in wooden bowl, both uncut and some star-shaped wedges.
September 26, 2023
5 Health Benefits of Okra

It’s good for cholesterol, blood sugar, your gut and (surprise!) stronger bones

variety of food allergens such as eggs, milk, wheat, shellfish and nuts
May 3, 2023
Warning Label: The Big 9 of Food Allergens

More than 90% of allergic reactions can be linked to these foods

Two pieces of leftover pizza sitting in a pizza box.
December 4, 2022
Is It Safe To Leave Pizza Out Overnight?

No! Be sure to put your leftovers in the fridge

Thanksgiving dinner leftovers on a plate ready to eat.
November 18, 2022
How To Store Your Thanksgiving Leftovers Safely

Don’t let any turkey or stuffing go to waste this year!

A pot of bone broth with ingredients displayed on a white tabletop in the background.
November 13, 2022
Bone Broth vs. Stock: Which Is Better?

Bone broth has the added benefit of collagen, but it’s also more expensive

Are Food Allergies Causing Your Baby’s Diaper Rash?
November 1, 2022
Are Food Allergies Causing Your Baby’s Diaper Rash?

It’s likely a short-term sensitivity (not an allergy) to acidic foods

Trending Topics

White bowls full of pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate and various kinds of nuts
25 Magnesium-Rich Foods You Should Be Eating

A healthy diet can easily meet your body’s important demands for magnesium

Woman feeling for heart rate in neck on run outside, smartwatch and earbuds
Heart Rate Zones Explained

A super high heart rate means you’re burning more than fat

Spoonful of farro salad with tomato
What To Eat If You’ve Been Diagnosed With Prediabetes

Type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable with these dietary changes

Ad