While the number of documented food recalls was down 4 percent, the amount of recalled units decreased by 56 percent from the first quarter. It was the lowest number of recalled units tracked in two years.
Only 13 percent of the recall events were nationwide. This figure has fallen over the past several quarters and compared with 17 percent in the first quarter and 27 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Also in the second quarter global recall events fell to a new low to 2 percent. Global recall events have decreased at a steady trajectory the past four quarters, from 8 percent in the third quarter of 2013, to 7 percent to 3 percent and then 2 percent.
The index also included recall data from the US Department of Agriculture, which tracks recalls of meat, poultry and egg products.
In the second quarter there were 24 recall events, marking a 33 percent increase from the first quarter. Stericycle noted it is the most recalls tracked since the first quarter of 2013. Half of the recalls were initiated due to undeclared allergens. Of the 24 recall events, 22 companies were involved in a recall, up 38 percent from the first quarter of 2014.
Stericycle ExpertRecall, based in Indianapolis, offers recall logistics and regulatory compliance for consumer product, pharmaceutical, medical device, juvenile product and food and beverage recalls. The company’s ExpertRecall Index examines recall trends and issues that affect consumers and manufacturers.
