Food is an essential part of our existence, but we must also understand that the wrong or rotten food can cause great damage to the human body and even lead to death. For example, earlier this year, a New York woman with a peanut allergy died after eating a cookie that contained mislabeled peanuts. That's right, one mistake can lead to big losses. That's why it's important to be fully aware of what we buy and eat. And to assist in this process and ensure that all high-quality food reaches the market, each country has its own food regulatory agency. In the United States, this role is performed by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, there are still loopholes in the market that have led to a significant increase in food recalls in the US market. I wonder why? Let's find out.
What is a food recall?
A food recall is the process by which a food product is removed from the market or corrected due to the discovery of a safety problem that may pose a risk to consumers and their health. These safety issues may include contamination with harmful bacteria, the presence of foreign objects, mislabeling, undeclared allergens, or other hazards that make the food unsafe to eat.
Why do food recalls occur?
Microbial contamination: The presence of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, etc.), viruses, and parasites that can cause food poisoning.
Chemical contamination: Contamination with harmful chemicals such as pesticides, toxins, and detergent residues.
Physical contamination: The presence of foreign objects such as glass, metal, or plastic pieces in food.
Allergen contamination: The presence of undeclared allergens (peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, etc.) that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Misrepresentation: An inaccurate statement that may mislead consumers about a product's ingredients, nutritional content, or safety.
Packaging defects: Packaging problems that can compromise food safety or quality, such as defective seals or incorrect expiry dates.
What is the reason for food recalls in the US?
According to reports, the main reasons for this change are the market's dependence on imports and the relocation of production operations far from the market. By 2027, three-quarters of food supplies and half of the vegetables needed by the population are expected to be sourced externally, which is reported to be one of the reasons for the increase in food recall rates. ing. It has been reported that 16,000 pounds of pathogens were found in food. His two other reasons for large-scale food recalls in the U.S. market are foreign substances in foods and mislabeling of major food allergens.
What should people do?
According to experts, when purchasing any kind of food from outside that is meant to be prepared and consumed, be sure to follow these four steps to ensure food safety.
Cleaning: First, thoroughly clean the food using running water. Use clean water and disinfected hands to wash food.
Separate: Next, we separate the unnecessary parts of the food packaging and the chemicals that are layered on the product to keep it fresh. That's why we recommend multiple cleanings.
Cook: The next step is to cook the food to the desired doneness or as specified, depending on the type of food.
Chill: The final step is to cool the food to room temperature or, if necessary, refrigerate it until it is suitable for consumption.
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