The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) has published data on recalls and public health advisories (PHAs) issued in the case of a food safety incident involving FSIS-regulated products during calendar year 2023.
According to USDA, a food recall, which is a voluntary action by a manufacturer or distributor to protect consumers from products that may cause harm to public health, is intended to remove food products from commerce when they are adulterated or misbranded under the provisions of the Federal Meat Inspection Act or the Poultry Products Inspection Act. In cases where a recall cannot be recommended, FSIS issues PHAs to inform the public about potential health risks. For example, PHAs could be issued when a foodborne illness outbreak has been identified but is unsolved, or to remind constituents about best food safety practices.