7,000 food products recalled in two years: the explanations behind this impressive figure

For two years, official alerts concerning product recalls have punctuated our daily lives. Presence of listeria, risk of salmonella, manufacturing defects… food products are increasingly being recalled by health authorities because they may present a risk to the health of consumers. According to government platform Consumer Reminder, launched in 2021 in order to identify the various government recalls, there have been nearly 7,000 withdrawal operations over the past two years. But how can we explain this phenomenon?

Since 2004, manufacturers have been required to carry out self-checks before marketing. Problem: despite their numerous tests, the number of product recalls is exploding. For consumer associations, the problem is simple. “These self-checks do not work”estimates Ingrid Kragl of the Foodwatch association at the microphone of Europe 1.

To ensure food safety, state services are responsible for carrying out – in parallel with self-checks – tests in factories. But the General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) having experienced a significant drop in staff numbers over the last 10 years, these controls are becoming rarer according to several consumer associations. For UFC-Que Choisir, it is necessary to increase the number of agents in charge of controls. The consumer defense association recommends in particular the implementation of health checks directly within points of sale in order to ensure compliance.

If you are in possession of a product subject to a recall, the government advises you to no longer consume it, destroy it and contact consumer service in order to issue a refund. You can also return them to the store. Have you consumed the product? Monitor your symptoms and do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you have the slightest doubt.