History of Product recall in Timeline

A product recall is a manufacturer's request to return a product due to safety concerns or defects that could harm consumers or expose the manufacturer/seller to legal liability. It is a corrective action for unsafe products, as defects can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. Recalls aim to remove hazardous products from the market, protecting consumers and mitigating potential legal repercussions for the involved companies.

1966: Motor vehicles recalls in the USA

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

2003: Car recalls between 2003 and 2014

Between 2003 and 2014, fewer cars were recalled than between 2015 and 2020.

February 2007: Reports of renal failure in pets consuming contaminated food in February 2007

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

March 2007: Pet food recall in March 2007

In March 2007, a massive recall of many brands of cat and dog foods began, responding 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 recalls pet food

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

2007: The 2007 pet food recall

The 2007 pet food recall stands out due to its size, scope, and number of animals affected.

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

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

2009: Economic crisis of 2009

During the economic crisis of 2009, the number of product recalls decreased due to time, cost, and market pressure.

2010: Economic crisis of 2010

During the economic crisis of 2010, the number of product recalls decreased due to time, cost, and market pressure.

2014: Car recalls between 2003 and 2014

Between 2003 and 2014, fewer cars were recalled than between 2015 and 2020.

2015: Increase in car recalls between 2015 and 2020

Between 2015 and 2020, more cars were recalled than between 2003 and 2014.

2015: Food product recalls in the US in 2015

In 2015, there were 108 products recalled due to foreign body contamination.

2016: Peak of car recalls in 2016

In 2016, car recalls peaked at 50 million.

2016: Food product recalls in the US in 2016

In 2016, over 3000 food products were recalled in the US. Individual recall events caused by contamination from foreign bodies increased by 76% compared to 2015, with 422 products recalled due to foreign body contamination, while in 2015 there were 108.

July 23, 2018: Pepperidge Farm Recalls Goldfish Crackers

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

2018: Car recalls in 2018

In 2018, 29 million cars were recalled.

November 3, 2019: Recall of Mann Packing Co. vegetable products

Beginning November 3, 2019, Mann Packing Co., Inc. and all associated vegetable produces were recalled due to the potential of Listeria monocytogenes, including 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: Food products recall associated with onions from Thomson International, Inc.

On July 31, 2020, food products associated with onions from Thomson International, Inc. were recalled due to the risk of salmonella, including products from Progressive Produce LLC, Spokane Produce, Inc., Hello Fresh, and Emerald Fruit & Produce Inc.

August 19, 2020: Last recall associated with Thomson International, Inc.

August 19, 2020, marked the last recall associated with Thomson International, Inc. due to the risk of salmonella in their onions.

September 10, 2020: Philippine NTC recalls ABS-CBN frequencies

On September 10, 2020, the Philippine National Telecommunications Commission recalled the frequencies of ABS-CBN Channel 2 and its digital channels, as well as terrestrial operations of cable channels and other local TV and radio stations, citing the absence of a valid legislative franchise.

2020: Increase in car recalls between 2015 and 2020

Between 2015 and 2020, more cars were recalled than between 2003 and 2014.

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

On October 20, 2021, ProSource Produce LLC had a company announcement, soon followed by Keeler Family Farms, recalling onion meal kits and onions themselves from ProSource Produce LLC, Pier-C Produce Inc., Potandon Produce LLC, HelloFresh, and EveryPlate due to the risk of salmonella.

December 2022: Toyota Recalls 1.12 Million Cars

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 prevent airbag deployment.

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

In 2022, the British Standards Institute's PAS 7100:2022 standard, Supporting Better Product Recalls, was introduced to help businesses plan in advance for conducting product recalls.

November 9, 2023: Sofia Produce LLC issues cantaloupe recall

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: Start of recalls related to cantaloupe

Starting November 14, 2023, recalls were initiated by companies such as Vinyard Fruit and Vegetable Company, CF Dallas, LLC, Bix Produce, Kwik Trip, GHGA, LLC, and TGD Cuts, LLC, regarding food products associated with cantaloupe due to a risk of salmonella.

November 22, 2023: Crown Jewels Produce issues cantaloupe recall

On November 22, 2023, Crown Jewels Produce followed suit in issuing a recall for food products associated with cantaloupe due to a risk of salmonella, the same day Sofia Produce LLC dba TruFresh issued a later announcement

November 24, 2023: Pacific Trellis Fruit dba Delcinea issues cantaloupe recall

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

2024: Vehicles recalled in 2024

In 2024, approximately 35,020,507 vehicles were recalled, which was about 11% more than in 2025.

2025: Vehicles recalled in 2025

In 2025, approximately 31,269,261 vehicles were recalled, with Ford Motor Company issuing the most recall orders. This was about 11% fewer recalled vehicles than in 2024.