Between 2013 and 2018, the number of food recalls issued within the United States grew by 10%, with 2016 having the greatest number of annual recalls at 905.(1)
Food recalls are classified into three categories, which the FDA lists below: (2)
Class I: Dangerous or defective products that predictably could cause serious health problems or death.
Class II: Products that might cause a temporary health problem, or pose only a slight threat of a serious nature.
Class III: Products that are unlikely to cause any adverse health reaction, but that violate FDA labeling or manufacturing laws.
During the 5 year time span previously listed, meat and poultry class 1 recalls rose 83% and metal contaminants found in food products became more prevalent. (1,3) However, as Jaydee Hanson, policy director at the Center for Food Safety notes, the rise in recalls can actually be a good thing meaning that with the Food Safety Modernization Act, companies are taking a more precautionary approach to avoiding food-borne illness, which affects nearly 48 million people a year, and issuing voluntary recalls, in which case the product may not actually be contaminated. (1)
Recently, Pet Supplies Plus recalled bulk pig ears sold at over 400 stores in 33 states. These include Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia, after a salmonella outbreak sickened 45 people that were in contact with the dog treats. (4) The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development uncovered the pig ears in one of Pet Supplies Plus’ stores tested positive for salmonella, which led the retailer to pull the product from stores across the country. (4)
The food safety testing market is growing rapidly as well. According to the Global Food Safety Testing Market 2019 Industry Research Report, the food safety testing market across the globe was valued at USD 11,122.53 million in 2016 and is expected to have a compound annual growth rate of 7.2% between 2019-2023. (4)
An article from Powder & Bulk Solids says it well, “Brand reputation is more important than ever. Cutting corners on safety could be an expensive mistake in the long term.” (3)
The Food Safety Modernization Act has changed the validation requirements on both the outbound and inbound ends of the supply chain. You need a carrier that understands and complies with these requirements as well.
Road Scholar Transport offers our food grade customers the following:
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Food grade vans and refrigerated trailers with aluminum floors.
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53 and 48 foot trailers.
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Technology, protocols, and expertise that exceed FSMA protocols.
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Low damage claim record: .0004%.
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Expedited and liftgate services.
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24 x 7 dispatch and oversight.
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All shipment location and temperature tracked and monitored real time via telematics.
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Ability to remotely set temperature.
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7 strategic terminal and relay locations reaching 88% of northeast distribution in under 30 minutes.
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Professional uniformed drivers taking pride in representing your brand upon delivery.
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Dedicated use and teams.
Visit our food grade transport services page today and learn how Road Scholar Transport can keep your freight protected from harm while in transport.
(1)https://time.com/5504355/food-recalls-more-common/
(2)https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-101-product-recalls
