According to FOODAKAI’s Global Food Recall Index, the first quarter of 2025 has seen significant increases in food product recalls across the dairy, poultry, and produce categories internationally.

The Global Food Recall Index tracks product recalls for priority food categories issued by global food safety authorities.

In the first quarter of 2025, dairy products led all categories in recall volume, driven by microbiological contamination and food handling issues. The recall volume spike in February signals persistent cold chain and process control challenges, according to FOODAKAI. Dairy products are expected to remain under pressure through Quarter 2.

Additionally, poultry recalls more than tripled compared to Quarter 1 of 2024, largely due to Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Pork and beef also showed rising activity due to growing microbial risks in the meat supply chain. FOODAKAI predicts recalls in meat and poultry categories to increase in the coming months.

Cereal recalls also rose sharply due to undeclared allergens and mislabeling, while cocoa experienced a jump in recalls attributed to contamination issues. Produce continued to be one of the most recalled categories globally, with pesticide residues and hygiene non-compliances driving the numbers. All three categories are forecast by FOODAKAI to remain high-risk in Quarter 2.

Eggs and fats/oils, on the other hand, saw a decrease in recalls. FOODAKAI expects these lowered figures to continue in the near-term.

The Global Food Recall Index was prepared under the EU-funded Extreme Food Risk Analytics (EFRA) Project.