Abstract
In 2021 alone, 15.5 million pounds of food were recalled by the USDA. In addition to contributing to food waste, recalls can have a significant impact on the bottom line – the average direct cost (including scrap, administration and lost sales) of a food product recall in the US is close to $10 million but can end up being much higher — up to $100 million in the case of a very large event. Beyond contamination, food operations also must contend with a host of other unique risks and challenges, including work environments that are subject to strict regulation and often tough on employees and equipment.
