The RecordExhibit 104
Food recalls up as FDA oversight shrinks
Measured trend means: A documented outcome or statistic, not a legal claim. How much of it is caused by administration policy is debated.
More than 480 food recalls were announced in fiscal 2026 as of September, more than in four of the previous five years.
What happened
FDA employment fell about 22% between 2024 and 2026, and FDA inspections of foreign food facilities dropped nearly 13% in fiscal 2025, even as imports keep growing. September also brought two USDA meat recalls: about 1,500 pounds of imported pork guanciale over Listeria, and 167,639 pounds of pork, beef and goat sold with a fake USDA inspection mark. USDA inspectors caught both, which is the system working as intended.
Where it stands
It's a clear rise, not an all-time record by every measure. Food safety experts say reduced oversight is the worry.
The administration's side
The FDA says workforce cuts did not affect frontline inspectors.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/recalls/