History of Product recall in Timeline

A product recall is a manufacturer's request to return a product due to safety issues or defects that could endanger consumers or lead to legal action. It's a corrective measure for unsafe products that pose a risk of injury or death. Companies initiate recalls to mitigate risks and maintain consumer safety, often involving significant logistical and financial implications.

1966: Motor Vehicle Recalls Since 1966

Since 1966, 390 million motor vehicles have been recalled in the USA.

2003: Increase in Car Recalls

More cars have been recalled between 2015 and 2020 than between 2003 and 2014.

February 2007: Reports of Renal Failure in Pets in February 2007

In February 2007, reports surfaced of renal failure in pets consuming mostly wet pet foods made with wheat gluten from a single Chinese company, which led to the pet food recalls.

March 2007: Massive Recall of Cat and Dog Foods Beginning in March 2007

In March 2007, a massive recall of many brands of cat and dog foods began in response to reports of renal failure in pets consuming wet pet foods made with wheat gluten from a single Chinese company.

March 16, 2007: Menu Foods Voluntarily Recalls Pet Food

On March 16, 2007, the Canadian company Menu Foods initiated a voluntary recall of pet food after a company test revealed sickness and death in some test animals.

2007: 2007 Pet Food Recall

The 2007 pet food recall is well known because of the sheer size, scope, and number of animals affected.

September 12, 2008: Mars Petcare US Recalls Dry Pet Food Products

On September 12, 2008, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of all dry pet food products produced at its plant in Everson, Pennsylvania, citing potential contamination with salmonella.

2009: Increase in Product Recalls

In 2009, the number of recalls generally increased, with a temporary exception during the economic crisis of 2009-2010 due to time, cost, and market pressure.

2010: Increase in Product Recalls

In 2010, the number of recalls generally increased, with a temporary exception during the economic crisis of 2009-2010 due to time, cost, and market pressure.

2014: Increase in Car Recalls

More cars have been recalled between 2015 and 2020 than between 2003 and 2014.

2015: Increase in Food Recalls Due to Foreign Body Contamination

In 2015, 108 products were recalled due to foreign body contamination, which significantly increased in 2016 with 422 products recalled.

2015: Rise in Car Recalls Between 2015 and 2020

More cars have been recalled between 2015 and 2020 than between 2003 and 2014.

2016: Peak of 50 Million Cars Recalled in 2016

In 2016, car recalls peaked at 50 million.

2016: Over 3000 Food Products Recalled in the US in 2016

In 2016, over 3000 food products were recalled in the US, according to the US Food and Drug Administration Enforcement reports. Individual recall events caused by contamination from foreign bodies increased by 76% compared to 2015. There were 422 products recalled due to foreign body contamination.

July 23, 2018: Pepperidge Farm Recalls Goldfish Crackers

On July 23, 2018, Pepperidge Farm announced a recall of Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar Goldfish crackers due to possible salmonella contamination in the whey powder. This recall also included Flavor Blasted Sour Cream and Onion, Whole Grain Xtra Cheddar, and Xtra Cheddar and Pretzel varieties.

2018: 29 Million Cars Recalled in 2018

In 2018, 29 million cars were recalled.

November 3, 2019: Recall of Mann Packing Co., Inc. Vegetable Products

Beginning November 3, 2019, Mann Packing Co., Inc. and all associated vegetable produces were recalled due to the potential of Listeria monocytogenes. This included Wegmans veggie power blend, Meijer vegetable trays, Ghnw, LLC mushroom stirfry blend, Russ Davis, and Tahar veggie and ranch cups including cauliflower.

July 31, 2020: Recall of Thomson International, Inc. Onions

With the earliest recall on July 31, 2020, food products associated with onions from Thomson International, Inc. were recalled due to the risk of salmonella. Companies involved included Progressive Produce LLC, Spokane Produce, Inc., Hello Fresh, and Emerald Fruit & Produce Inc.

August 19, 2020: Final Recall Associated with Thomson International, Inc. in August 2020

The last recall associated with Thomson International, Inc. occurred on August 19, 2020, due to the risk of salmonella contamination in food products associated with their onions.

September 10, 2020: ABS-CBN Channel 2 Frequencies Recalled

On September 10, 2020, the frequencies of ABS-CBN Channel 2, including its digital channels and terrestrial operations of cable channels on ABS-CBN TV Plus, were recalled by the Philippine National Telecommunications Commission due to the absence of a valid legislative franchise. Provisional authorities granted to ABS-CBN were also revoked.

2020: Rise in Car Recalls Between 2015 and 2020

More cars have been recalled between 2015 and 2020 than between 2003 and 2014.

October 20, 2021: Recall of Onions from ProSource Produce LLC and Keeler Family Farms

On October 20, 2021, ProSource Produce LLC announced a recall, followed by Keeler Family Farms, involving onion meal kits and onions from ProSource Produce LLC, Pier-C Produce Inc., Potandon Produce LLC, HelloFresh, and EveryPlate due to salmonella risk.

December 2022: Toyota Recalls 1.12 Million Cars in December 2022

In December 2022, Toyota recalled 1.12 million cars, including models like Avalon, Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Lexus ES series, RX350 Highlander, and Sienna Hybrid, due to a fault in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors that could cause airbags not to deploy correctly.

2022: British Standards Institute's PAS 7100:2022 standard released

In 2022, the British Standards Institute released PAS 7100:2022 standard, titled 'Supporting Better Product Recalls', designed to assist businesses in planning and executing product recalls effectively.

November 9, 2023: Sofia Produce LLC Issues Cantaloupe Recall on November 9, 2023

On November 9, 2023, Sofia Produce LLC dba TruFresh issued a company announcement regarding a recall of food products associated with cantaloupe due to a risk of salmonella.

November 14, 2023: Cantaloupe Recalls Start

On November 14, 2023, recalls started with companies such as Vinyard Fruit and Vegetable Company, CF Dallas, LLC, Bix Produce, Kwik Trip, GHGA, LLC, and TGD Cuts, LLC regarding cantaloupe due to a risk of salmonella.

November 22, 2023: Crown Jewels Produce Issues Cantaloupe Recall

On November 22, 2023, Crown Jewels Produce issued a recall regarding food products associated with cantaloupe due to a risk of salmonella.

November 24, 2023: Pacific Trellis Fruit dba Delcinea Recalls Cantaloupe

On November 24, 2023, Pacific Trellis Fruit dba Delcinea issued a recall of food products associated with cantaloupe due to a risk of salmonella.

2024: Vehicle Recalls in 2024

In 2024, there were 35,020,507 vehicles recalled, which is approximately 11% more than the vehicles recalled in 2025.

2025: Approximately 31.3 Million Vehicles Recalled in 2025

In 2025, approximately 31,269,261 vehicles were recalled, according to National Highway Safety Traffic Administration data. Ford Motor Company issued more recall orders than any other automaker.