Product Recalls: The Curse of the Manufacturer
Product recalls in the UK food and drink industry remain a significant challenge, with the latest RQA( Research Quality Association) Group report highlighting a concerning increase in the number of products recalled per event. While the number of UK Food Standards Agency( FSA) alerts in 2024 remained relatively low, the volume of products affected per alert has risen to 2.5 times higher than in 2023.
Allergen Control: One of the Leading Causes of Recalls
Allergen mislabelling remains the top reason for product recalls. While the percentage of‘ Never Event’ recalls— those deemed entirely preventable— has decreased to 27 % in 2024, these incidents continue to pose a serious threat to consumers. Historically,‘ Never Event’ mislabelling alerts accounted for over 40 % to 50 % of recalls, meaning progress is being made, but challenges remain. A‘ Never Event’ recall is defined by RQA as a recall that can cause
72 FDPP- www. fdpp. co. uk serious harm and should be easily prevented. E. g. Wrong label on pack or product put in wrong packaging with allergen safety implications.
Recent incidents underscore the ongoing risk. Birds Eye Ltd. recalled Goodfella’ s Stonebaked Thin Garlic Bread because it contained cheese, an undeclared allergen posing a health risk to those with a dairy intolerance or allergy. This case, as with others, highlights the critical need for stringent allergen control measures throughout the supply chain.
Microbiological Contamination: A Rising Threat
The RQA report also revealed an 80 % increase in recall events caused by microbiological contamination, with Listeria and Salmonella leading the list of concerns. Despite this surge, the total number of products recalled due to contamination is 426 fewer than last year, suggesting more successfully targeted recall efforts.
Listeria monocytogenes contamination remains a major concern, particularly for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Lidl Northern Ireland recently recalled a batch of Deluxe Sriracha Cheddar Cheese Wedge after Listeria was detected. This bacterium can cause flulike symptoms and, in severe cases, lead to life-threatening complications such as meningitis.
Salmonella-related recalls also continue to impact the industry, particularly in high-risk food categories like meat and ready-toeat products. Contaminated foods can lead to severe gastrointestinal illness, prompting swift action from manufacturers and retailers to prevent outbreaks.
Foreign Bodies and Fraudulent Lab Results
Foreign body contamination, particularly involving metal