Just weeks after Taylor Farms faced a massive cyclospora outbreak, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued recalls on contaminated eggs. Meanwhile, Taylor Farms pulled multiple products containing jalapeños due to salmonella contamination from its supplier.

The list of recalls continues with frozen blueberries and mixed berries being pulled for E. coli concerns, Outshine’s fruit bars potentially containing glass, and even dog food and eye drops joining the fray.

While some may see this as a sign of heightened risk in our food system, Professor Darin Detwiler points out that while recall activity is elevated, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an uptick in actual risk. The transition through summer, which tends to see more foodborne outbreaks, might be partly responsible.

Federal funding cuts and staff reductions at agencies like the FDA are making it harder to oversee food safety effectively. The Traceability Rule, meant to improve tracking of contaminated foods, has been delayed, further complicating matters.