Dramatic Increase in Food Recalls in Canada: Cause for Concern?

Food recalls in Canada have surged over the last decade. From pre-packaged salads to bakery goods and frozen meat, recalls are happening more frequently - and more publicly. While this may sound alarming, the rise in food recalls is actually a reflection of a stronger, more responsive food safety system.

In this blog, we explore why food recalls are increasing, what is causing them and what this trend means for food businesses and consumers alike.

Why are food recalls increasing in Canada?

Over the past 10 years, food recalls in Canada have become more frequent due to several important changes in how food is monitored and regulated. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the number of food recalls increased by more than 150 percent between 2013 and 2023, with 137 recalls reported in 2023, up from just 56 in 2013.

But this rise is not because food is becoming more dangerous. In fact, it’s the opposite. The CFIA has implemented stronger detection methods, such as DNA testing, that can identify contamination more quickly. Traceability and reporting systems have also improved, making it easier for food safety authorities to track and act on risks earlier in the supply chain.

Additionally, social media and online news have made recall announcements more visible. A food product recall that once went unnoticed now spreads instantly across digital platforms, increasing awareness among both businesses and consumers.

What are the most common reasons for food recalls?

Most food recalls in Canada fall into one of three major categories:

• Pathogen contamination: Bacteria such as E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella are leading causes of recalls. These organisms can cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable populations
• Allergen mislabelling: Over 40 percent of all recalls in Canada are due to undeclared allergens, such as milk, soy or peanuts
• Physical or cross-contamination: Foreign objects (e.g. pieces of metal or plastic) or improper sanitation in facilities can trigger recalls

Over the past five years, Canada has experienced more than 600 food recalls, many related to labelling errors or microbial contamination. Each of these issues points to a need for stronger food handling procedures and greater staff awareness at every stage of food production and service.

Why more recalls is actually a good sign

While an increase in Canadian food recalls may seem negative, experts say it’s a sign that the system is working. More recalls mean that issues are being detected and reported before they cause widespread harm.

Government regulations such as the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) have played a major role in tightening food safety standards across the country. These rules require better documentation, preventive controls and faster response times when a food safety hazard is discovered.

As food safety systems continue to evolve, increased transparency and stronger oversight allow authorities to act quickly to prevent illness outbreaks.

What food businesses can do to reduce recall risk

For food businesses, recalls can have serious financial, legal and reputational consequences. However, many of the most common causes of food recalls can be prevented with better training, strong internal procedures and a focus on continuous improvement. 

Here are key actions food businesses can take:

1. Train all staff in food safety best practices

Ensure employees understand safe food handling, proper sanitation and how to avoid cross-contamination. The Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS) provides a nationally recognized Food Handler Certification Course to support this.

2. Maintain a comprehensive HACCP Plan

A Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) Plan helps businesses identify and manage food safety hazards proactively.

3. Conduct regular audits and monitoring

Internal inspections, record keeping and reviews can identify weak points before they become recall risks.

4. Follow CFIA updates and recall alerts

Staying informed helps businesses respond quickly if a supplier or product they use becomes involved in a recall.

What consumers should know about Canadian food recalls

For consumers, a rising number of recalls should not necessarily be a cause for panic. Instead, it shows that Canada’s food safety system is working to identify and remove unsafe products before they reach more people.

To stay safe, consumers can:

• Check CFIA recall alerts regularly: Visit canada.ca/food-recalls to find up-to-date recall information
• Pay close attention to product labels: Especially for allergens and expiry dates
• Follow recall instructions carefully: If a recalled product is in your home, follow instructions for disposal or return

Understanding how recalls work, and why they’re happening more often, empowers Canadians to make informed decisions and reduce food safety risks at home.

Be proactive, not reactive

The rise in food recalls in Canada should not be viewed as a warning sign of declining safety, but rather a testament to how far our systems have come. Through better technology, stricter regulations and a culture of awareness, Canada is building a stronger food safety network.

For food businesses, the key to managing a food recall is training, vigilance and compliance. For consumers, awareness and education are the best tools for staying safe.

CIFS is here to support your efforts. Whether you need to train staff, strengthen your food safety systems or stay informed about best practices, our resources and training programs are designed to help food businesses across Canada meet their responsibilities with confidence.