US food recalls in 2026 show fewer events but larger outbreaks
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
US food and beverage recalls reached 122 by July 31, 2026, below the 135 recorded in the same period of 2025. Recent recalls include over one million eggs, Taylor Farms lettuce and jalapeño products, and frozen berries sold at Publix. Experts say a few very large recalls are exposing far more consumers than dozens of smaller events.
Key Facts
- The FDA recalled more than one million eggs from Midwest Poultry Services due to possible salmonella contamination.
- Taylor Farms pulled over a dozen products containing jalapeños after supplier Coast Citrus Distributors recalled fresh peppers for salmonella.
- The cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce caused more than 9,000 illnesses in the US.
- As of July 31, 2026, the US had 122 food and beverage recalls, compared to 135 in the same period of 2025 and 146 in 2024.
- A US PIRG report notes a huge increase in foodborne illness outbreaks despite recall counts not being significantly higher.
Recall Surge
The FDA recalled more than one million eggs from Midwest Poultry Services that may be contaminated with salmonella. The eggs were distributed to Kroger and smaller grocery stores across the South and Southwest US. Taylor Farms pulled more than a dozen products containing jalapeños, including guacamole, salsa, and taco dip, after Coast Citrus Distributors recalled fresh peppers due to salmonella. Frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold at Publix stores in multiple states were recalled over E. coli concerns earlier this month. Some Outshine fruit bars were removed for potential glass contamination, and dog food and eye drops have also been affected by recent recalls.
Expert Analysis
Darin Detwiler, professor emeritus at Northeastern and adjunct professor at Michigan State University College of Law, said FDA data suggests recall activity has been elevated but it is too early to know if 2026 will outpace 2025. Edward Dudley, professor of food science at Pennsylvania State University, noted that summer tends to see more foodborne outbreaks and that increased media coverage does not necessarily reflect a concerning uptick in risk. Detwiler said a handful of very large recalls can expose far more consumers than dozens of smaller events. The lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak contributed to more than 9,000 illnesses, potentially making it the third-largest recorded foodborne illness outbreak, according to US PIRG.
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US food recalls in 2026 show fewer events but larger outbreaks
