Whether it’s food, beverage, automotive or other products, it’s important to know which products have been recalled. If you don’t, you may end up consuming products that could be dangerous to your health.
Food and beverage recalls
Despite recent improvements, food and beverage recalls remain a major concern. They can lead to product liability lawsuits, lost sales, and damage to a company’s reputation.
In the United States, salmonella and listeria are the leading causes of foodborne illness. They cause approximately 26500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths annually.
In the first quarter of 2022, the number of food and beverage recalls hit a 10-year high. The number of recalls remained low in the second and third quarters, but jumped 91 percent in the fourth quarter.
In 2022, salmonella and listeria-related recalls accounted for almost two-fifths of all food recalls.
In terms of the cost of recalls, the food industry is looking for ways to improve ERP solutions. These systems improve efficiencies in production lines and reduce safety-related incidents.
The first quarter of 2020 saw the lowest number of recalls since 2017. The food industry has been trying to meet demand for home-prepared foods. However, this increased demand also led to more mistakes.
Automotive recalls
Keeping the roadways safe is a top priority for automobile recalls. The process of identifying, evaluating, and repairing vehicles can save lives and protect the roadway. It also protects the manufacturer’s reputation.
The process can be initiated by courts or by the manufacturer. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tracks vehicles and issues regular recalls. It also has a mailing list for consumer use.
The NHTSA has an online search tool to find out if your car is on the list. The site lists vehicle recalls by manufacturer and model year. It is a good idea to check your vehicle’s VIN before making a purchase.
The automobile industry has been working on quality excellence for decades. The industry is also investing in improved recall practices.
The industry has seen an increase in the number of recalls, though not as much as in years past. This is a result of the proliferation of new and innovative technology. In addition, automakers have been sharing best practices to ensure a successful recall campaign.
Benzene levels in various care products
Several personal care products have been recalled due to elevated benzene levels. This includes Not Your Mother’s Dry Shampoo, which contains a high amount of benzene. The company’s Clean Freak dry shampoo contained 93 parts per million in the fourth spray.
Another product, Neutrogena sunscreen, contained benzene levels that were 12 times higher than the FDA’s safe level. The chemical is known to cause leukemia.
In addition, Unilever has voluntarily recalled several of its dry shampoos, including Suave and Bed Head, because they contain benzene. Unilever declined to disclose how much benzene was in its products, though the company did say it had “no reports of adverse events.” The FDA said it was investigating the situation.
Valisure, a health research firm, tested 148 batches of dry shampoos from 34 different brands. It found benzene levels that ranged from 2 ppm to 20 ppm. It also found that benzene was present in a number of products, including body sprays. It also found that benzene levels were higher in aerosol-type products.
Listeria monocytogenes in chocolate fudge bites
Several companies are recalling chocolate fudge bites because they may contain Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious infections in older adults and pregnant women. It also can cause muscle aches, a stiff neck, confusion, headaches, and convulsions.
The FDA is warning consumers to follow safe handling advice for products that may be contaminated.
The products may contain tree nuts and walnuts. They also may contain metal. If you have any of the products listed above, check the ingredients label for any additional information. The chocolate fudge bites may be included in packages with the same ingredients listed.
Some products recalled are listed on the FDA’s website. You may also see information on the list from your local public health agency. Some states also have specific recalls. Depending on the scope of the outbreak, federal, state, and local officials may conduct investigations.
