What is a food safety recall?

A food safety recall is a critical action taken to protect consumers from potentially unsafe food products. This notification serves as a formal announcement to inform the public and relevant stakeholders that a specific food item may pose a health risk due to contamination, mislabeling, or other safety concerns.

When a recall occurs, it typically means that the food product may contain harmful bacteria, allergens not listed on the packaging, toxins, or other issues that could lead to foodborne illnesses. The goal of a recall is to remove the unsafe product from circulation, mitigate health risks, and ensure that consumers are aware of the issue so they can avoid consuming the contaminated product.

Promotional events or changes in cooking procedures address different aspects of food service and preparation but do not pertain to the safety and health risks associated with food recalls. Reducing portion sizes does not relate to the safety of a food product itself either. Thus, understanding a food safety recall as a notification of an unsafe product is essential for food safety awareness and consumer protection.