November 12, 2025
Posted by: OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers
Food recalls are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean they should happen so frequently. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued 337 food recalls in 2019, with undeclared allergens leading the pack as the biggest contributor. However, allergens and pathogens aren’t the only things that can spark a food recall; sometimes foreign materials like plastic and metal can find their way into beef and other frozen foods.
Our OFT Food Safety & Injury lawyers have been helping people get the compensation they deserve in unsafe food cases, and we’d love for you to be our next success story. Call us today at (888) 828-7087 to schedule your free consultation.
It’s essential to remain calm in the aftermath of a food recall. If you haven’t eaten the food yet, then you likely have nothing to fear. Still, proceed with common sense when determining how to dispose of the maligned food product. Don’t open, touch, or eat it. And don’t donate the food product to a local food bank, or feed it to your pets, as they can also get food poisoning. If you do open or handle it, wash your hands immediately for at least 20 seconds.
When food manufacturers issue a recall, they typically provide instructions on how to dispose of the product safely. In most cases, you can either return the product to the store where you purchased it for a refund or dispose of it safely.
Throw the food away immediately and disinfect your kitchen. You’ll have to wash all the cookware and utensils with hot, soapy water, and disinfect surfaces and shelves with a sanitizing solution. Wash any plates or silverware that came into contact with the contaminated food, especially if there’s an undeclared allergen that could pose a health risk to you or one of your family members.
To learn more about any recent outbreaks or food recalls, check out the FDA’s official list, which receives periodic updates.
Food recalls are notices to the public that the manufacturer is experiencing problems with its processing facilities, and not emergency alerts that thousands of people are getting sick. It may be helpful to check the USDA or FDA’s press releases regarding food recalls, so you can monitor for any signs of illness. We closely monitor outbreaks related to food and post about them here if people become ill.
Educating yourself on food recalls will also help you explain your situation to your doctor, should you need to visit them. Not only will your doctor be able to treat you accordingly, but they can also notify your state’s health department and CDC about this potential consumer risk.
Monitor for symptoms: Watch for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or unusual fatigue.
Consult your doctor: If you experience symptoms or have underlying health concerns, your doctor can provide treatment and report the case to local health authorities.
Stay informed: Review FDA or USDA press releases about the recalled product to track any related illnesses or outbreaks.
Educating yourself about the recall helps you communicate clearly with healthcare providers and take action to protect your health.
Food recalls can cause significant and lasting damage. Our team of experienced and empathetic food safety lawyers is here to help you navigate the complex legal process and guide you through any questions or concerns you may have. To learn more about how we can best serve you, give us a call at (888) 828-7087.
