Most Shocking Food Recalls in American History

13. The Wright County Egg Salmonella Outbreak

In 2010, Wright County Egg was linked to a salmonella outbreak that resulted in the recall of over half a billion eggs. The outbreak sickened thousands of people and was traced back to unsanitary conditions at the company's farms. This recall highlighted the vulnerabilities in the egg production industry and the need for rigorous safety standards. The Wright County Egg case led to increased regulatory oversight and changes in egg safety practices, including the implementation of the FDA Egg Safety Rule. It also raised public awareness about the importance of proper egg handling and cooking to prevent foodborne illnesses.

14. The Jensen Farms Cantaloupe Listeria Outbreak

In 2011, Jensen Farms' cantaloupes were linked to a listeria outbreak that resulted in 33 deaths and over 140 illnesses, making it one of the deadliest foodborne illness outbreaks in U.S. history. The outbreak was traced back to unsanitary conditions at the farm and inadequate safety measures. This recall underscored the importance of food safety practices in the produce industry and led to increased scrutiny of cantaloupe production. The Jensen Farms case prompted changes in industry standards and regulations, highlighting the critical need for rigorous safety measures to protect public health.