The average number of food recalls that occur each year in Australia has been increasing over the past decade, according to the latest recall data published by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Undeclared allergens are the leading cause of allergen recalls in Australia; to better understand why, FSANZ has identified the root causes for these recalls based on its recall records and data.
Between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2023, FSANZ coordinated a total of 836 food recalls, with an average number of recalls per year being 84. In comparison, the annual average number of recalls for the 2013–2022 reporting period was 79. In 2023 alone, 87 recalls occurred. FSANZ hypothesizes that the increasing number of recalls may be a result of an improved national food safety control system, technological advancements, and increased industry and consumer vigilance.