Watching Your Wallet: Food for Thought Report

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A new report by a consumer advocacy group raises questions about how quickly the public learns about some food recalls and outbreaks.

Foodborne illness is a major public health issue. The Government Accountability Office says it costs Americans an estimated $75 billion a year in medical care, lost productivity, and premature deaths.

Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog with U.S. PIRG, said the public needs timely, clear information when food safety problems emerge.

“So there’s a lot of detective work that takes place…so it’s understandable that it does take time. We still think that it takes way too long. Like it shouldn’t take years!” Murray said.

PIRG’s new Food for Thought 2026 report looks at 28 foodborne illness outbreaks announced in 2025.

The group says those outbreaks were linked to just over 1,000 reported illnesses.

It says salmonella was the most common cause, linked to 15 outbreaks and 636 illnesses.

PIRG says one of its biggest concerns is that many of those outbreak investigations did not lead to a publicly announced recall.

The group also raises concerns that some FDA-regulated recalls are not posted on the FDA’s recall page, which the FDA itself notes does not include all recalls.

“Well, come on! If you’re not posting the recall announcements on the FDA’s recall website that people rely on to find out if they’ve got something in their freezer or in their pantry, how are they supposed to find out!!? like really? how are they supposed to find out?” Murray said.

The FDA says it uses several methods to reach consumers, including press releases, alerts, and public notices.

Murray said concerned consumers can take steps on their own, including shopping at stores that alert customers when products they bought have been recalled.

“A lot of the grocery stores are doing that now, so they will send out an automated text message or email or even a phone call,” Murray said.