U.S. Product Recalls Reach Highest Quarterly Total in Past Five Years

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Amidst stricter regulatory oversight and closer consumer scrutiny, U.S. product recalls increased eight percent quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2024. According to Sedgwick brand protection's latest U.S. Recall Index report, there were 909 recalls across five key industries in Q1, the highest single-quarter total in over five years.

In contrast, the number of defective units fell 44% across all five industries, from 230.7 million in Q4 2023 to 129.6 million in Q1 2024.

Sedgwick's Recall Index report offers in-depth analysis of the latest product recall data, safety regulations and key challenges for the automotive, consumer product, food and drink, medical device and pharmaceutical industries. Released quarterly, the report features analysis and perspectives from Sedgwick's brand protection experts and network of strategic partners.

The number of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalls rose 27.6% quarter-over-quarter to 134 events in Q1 2024. Only three quarters in the past five years have recorded a higher number. There were 51 recalls for undeclared allergens, making it the leading cause of food recalls.

On the other hand, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recalls fell 31.6% from Q4 2023 to 13 recalls in Q1 2024. The weight of units impacted increased by 22.1% to 378,055 pounds in Q1 2024.

In 2024, the FDA, USDA and FTC are developing measures that are working to keep consumers safe and provide them with accurate information about the food they are buying. However, the new measures also illustrate how many entities are involved in food safety and the complexities the food industry faces. Stakeholders will need to closely monitor regulatory activity and enforcement actions.

"Regulators have started off 2024 as expected, continuing the high rate of enforcement activity and introducing new regulations and rules to improve product safety amidst an ever-growing list of risks," said Chris Harvey, senior vice president of brand protection for Sedgwick. "As responsibilities increase for stakeholders at every level of the supply chain, ensuring compliance and maintaining product safety and quality assurance will require all parties to work together to weather the risks."

To download the latest Recall Index report, visit Sedgwick's U.S. 2024 Edition 1 Recall Index page.

The Sedgwick brand protection Recall Index is published every quarter. It is the only report that aggregates and tracks recall data across multiple regulatory agencies and industries to help stakeholders navigate the regulatory environment, product recalls and other in-market challenges. For more information, visit www.sedgwick.com/brandprotection.