Most Shocking Food Recalls in American History

11. The Odwalla Juice E. coli Outbreak

In 1996, Odwalla, a producer of unpasteurized fruit juices, faced a major recall after an E. coli outbreak was linked to its apple juice products. The outbreak resulted in one death and numerous illnesses, primarily affecting children. This recall highlighted the risks associated with unpasteurized products and led to increased scrutiny of juice production practices. The Odwalla incident prompted changes in industry standards, including the implementation of pasteurization requirements for juice products. It also raised public awareness about the potential dangers of consuming unpasteurized foods and the importance of food safety regulations.

12. The Sara Lee Listeria Recall

In 1998, Sara Lee Corporation recalled 35 million pounds of hot dogs and deli meats due to listeria contamination. The outbreak resulted in 21 deaths and numerous illnesses, making it one of the deadliest foodborne illness outbreaks in U.S. history. The recall was a wake-up call for the food industry, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures in the production and handling of ready-to-eat foods. The Sara Lee case prompted significant changes in food safety regulations and increased awareness about the dangers of listeria, particularly for pregnant women and other vulnerable populations.