Recall activity in 2026 is sending a clear message that the industry is not facing isolated failures, but rather recurring breakdowns in the systems designed to prevent them. Manufacturers must prioritize four critical areas to minimize the risk of product contamination and recalls heading into 2027.
Automated, risk-tiered supplier monitoring does not prevent an outbreak (like this summer's cyclosporiasis event) or replace the traceback work done by FDA and CDC, but it can change how fast and how precisely a distributor can act while that investigation unfolds.
The letter to industry was issued in response to the botulism outbreaks linked to Nara Organics and ByHeart formulas, which identified Clostridia in the whole milk powder ingredient supply chain, as well as the global formula recall due to cereulide-contaminated arachidonic acid oil.
In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we are joined by Sara Mortimore, M.Sc., FRSPH, MIFST, Vice President and Global Subject Matter Expert for Food Safety at Walmart Inc., to discuss her experience overseeing food safety and managing supply chains at large food and retail enterprises, as well as specific food safety and supply chain initiatives at Walmart.
TraceGains has announced the launch of Supplier Management Pro, a solution for centralizing and optimizing supplier documentation and data, at a no-cost entry point for brands that are ready to embrace a modern digital strategy.
The IFT FIRST event offered several key takeaways impacting food safety, from topics and issues surrounding supply chain disruption and innovation to data standards and contaminants.
