19 Biggest Food Recalls In U.S. History
Food recalls happen when companies discover harmful contaminants in their products. These dangerous situations can affect millions of people and cost companies billions of dollars.
Understanding the biggest food recalls in history helps us learn about food safety and why proper handling matters.
1. Peanut Corporation Of America – 2009
A deadly salmonella outbreak traced to peanut products killed nine people and sickened over 700 across 46 states. The company’s CEO knew about the contamination but shipped products anyway.
He’s now serving 28 years in prison for his role in this deadly scandal.
2. Blue Bell Creameries – 2015
Beloved ice cream turned deadly when listeria contamination was discovered in Blue Bell products. Ten people were hospitalized and three died after eating the contaminated treats.
The company recalled all products and temporarily shut down production, costing millions in lost sales and cleanup efforts.
3. Jif Peanut Butter – 2022
America’s lunchbox staple faced a massive recall when salmonella was found in Jif peanut butter. The contamination originated at a Kentucky facility, affecting products sold nationwide.
Millions of jars were pulled from shelves as dozens of people reported illness across multiple states.
4. Cargill Ground Turkey – 2011
Thanksgiving preparations turned scary when Cargill recalled 36 million pounds of ground turkey. The meat contained antibiotic-resistant salmonella, making treatment especially difficult for victims.
One person died and 136 others fell ill across 34 states before the source was identified.
5. Foster Farms Chicken – 2013
Foster Farms refused a voluntary recall despite a salmonella outbreak linked to their chicken products. Eventually, mounting pressure forced them to act after 634 people fell ill.
The contamination persisted for 17 months, with the USDA threatening to shut down three processing plants.
6. Pilgrim’s Pride – 2002
Ready-to-eat turkey and chicken products from Pilgrim’s Pride harbored deadly Listeria monocytogenes. The outbreak claimed eight lives, caused three miscarriages, and sickened over 50 people.
A staggering 27.4 million pounds of poultry products were recalled, making it one of the largest meat recalls in history.
7. Topps Meat Company – 2007
E. coli contamination in frozen hamburger patties led to Topps Meat Company recalling 21.7 million pounds of ground beef. The massive recall came too late to prevent 30 people from falling seriously ill.
The 67-year-old company couldn’t survive the financial impact and closed its doors forever just days after announcing the recall.
8. ConAgra Pot Pies – 2007
Convenient microwavable pot pies turned dangerous when ConAgra recalled all varieties due to salmonella contamination. Initially, the company only issued cooking instructions rather than a full recall.
Public pressure mounted as 272 people across 35 states became ill, forcing ConAgra to pull millions of pot pies from stores nationwide.
9. Nestlé Toll House Cookie Dough – 2009
Raw cookie dough temptation turned dangerous when E. coli was discovered in Nestlé’s ready-to-bake products. The contamination sickened 72 people across 30 states, with many victims being children who snuck raw dough.
Nestlé recalled 3.6 million packages and later reformulated their product to make it safer.
10. Tyson Chicken Nuggets – 2019
Rubber contamination in Tyson chicken nuggets sparked a recall of 36,000 pounds of product. Customers reported finding foreign material in their nuggets, though thankfully no injuries were reported.
The contamination was traced to a rubber gasket that broke during production, highlighting how mechanical failures can threaten food safety.
11. Kellogg’s Honey Smacks – 2018
Breakfast became risky when Kellogg’s recalled Honey Smacks cereal due to salmonella contamination. The outbreak sickened 135 people across 36 states, with 34 requiring hospitalization.
The recall came after months of illnesses, highlighting delays that sometimes occur before contamination sources are identified.
12. Wright County Egg / Hillandale Farms – 2010
Over half a billion eggs were recalled during a massive salmonella outbreak linked to two Iowa egg producers. Nearly 2,000 reported illnesses were tied to the contaminated eggs.
FDA inspections revealed horrific conditions: rodent infestations, workers handling eggs with manure-covered hands, and dead chickens left in cages with live ones.
13. Fresh Express Packaged Salad – 2020
Cyclospora parasites contaminated Fresh Express bagged salad mixes sold at major retailers across multiple states. The microscopic parasite causes severe intestinal illness that can last for weeks or months.
Over 700 people fell ill and 36 were hospitalized before the company recalled products containing iceberg lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage.
14. Dole Packaged Salads – 2005
Pre-washed convenience turned dangerous when E. coli contaminated Dole pre-packaged salads. The outbreak sickened over 100 people, with some developing kidney failure requiring dialysis.
Investigators traced the contamination to a single processing facility in California, showing how centralized food production can amplify outbreaks.
15. Sabra Hummus – 2015
America’s favorite dip faced a massive recall when Listeria was discovered at a Sabra manufacturing facility. The company pulled 30,000 cases of hummus from store shelves nationwide.
Though no illnesses were directly linked to this recall, it came after previous listeria findings, damaging consumer confidence in the brand.
16. General Mills Flour – 2016
Raw flour caused a surprising E. coli outbreak that sickened 63 people across 24 states. General Mills recalled 45 million pounds of flour sold under Gold Medal, Signature Kitchens, and Gold Medal Wondra brands.
The outbreak taught consumers that raw flour is not safe to eat, contrary to popular baking habits.
17. Jensen Farms Cantaloupes – 2011
Deadly listeria-contaminated cantaloupes from Jensen Farms killed 33 people and caused one miscarriage. The outbreak sickened 147 people across 28 states, becoming one of the deadliest food safety incidents in recent history.
Investigators found the farm used improper cooling techniques and unsanitary equipment during processing.
18. McCain Foods Vegetables – 2018
Metal fragments and salmonella concerns prompted McCain Foods to recall millions of pounds of frozen vegetables. The contamination affected multiple brands using McCain vegetables, triggering a cascade of secondary recalls.
Products ranging from frozen pizza to ready-to-eat salads were pulled from shelves nationwide, showing how one supplier can impact dozens of brands.
19. Hy-Vee Pasta Salad – 2018
Summer picnics turned dangerous when Hy-Vee recalled pasta salad contaminated with Salmonella. The ready-to-eat salad sickened 101 people across 10 states, with 25 requiring hospitalization.
The outbreak was traced to a vegetable mix ingredient, showing how complex supply chains can complicate food safety investigations.
