Most Shocking Food Recalls in American History

9. The Topps Meat Company E. coli Recall

In 2007, Topps Meat Company issued a recall of 21.7 million pounds of ground beef due to E. coli contamination. This recall was one of the largest beef recalls in U.S. history and resulted in several illnesses. The outbreak was attributed to inadequate safety measures and testing protocols at the processing plant. The Topps recall prompted a reevaluation of food safety practices within the beef industry and led to increased regulatory oversight. It also highlighted the importance of traceability in the food supply chain to quickly identify and address contamination sources.

10. The Pilgrim’s Pride Listeria Recall

In 2002, Pilgrim's Pride, one of the largest chicken producers in the U.S., recalled 27.4 million pounds of ready-to-eat chicken and turkey products due to listeria contamination. The outbreak resulted in several deaths and numerous illnesses, making it one of the deadliest listeria outbreaks in U.S. history. This recall brought attention to the vulnerabilities in the processing of ready-to-eat foods and the need for stringent hygiene practices. The Pilgrim's Pride case led to significant changes in food safety regulations and increased awareness about the dangers of listeria, particularly for vulnerable populations.