Understanding the characteristics of US meat and poultry recalls: 1994–2002

The characteristics of US meat and poultry recalls between 1994 and 2002 are examined and the public health implications of these trends highlighted. Most recalls involve the most serious health consequences, including Class I and biological hazards. Numbers of recalls as well as the total amount in pounds have continually increased since 1997. This may be explained by improving inspection methods for detecting microbial pathogens, greater consumer awareness, and/or better surveillance of foodborne illnesses. To guarantee public health, it is important that problems are discovered as early as possible and all affected products are removed from the market