Food recalls may raise prices of substitutes, with little evidence they raise prices of recalled items. FDA data show 543 food and cosmetic recalls so far in 2026, about average for previous years; more than 167,000 pounds of meat were recalled nationwide on Sept. 22.
A study of the 2018 romaine E. coli episode found prices for safe romaine and iceberg lettuce rose. UC Berkeley professor Sofia Berto Villas-Boas said that in the early weeks, the supply disruption from removing or avoiding affected romaine outweighed the decline in demand; sellers of safe romaine and iceberg lettuce captured price premiums for roughly six weeks.
Recalls can follow contamination by pathogens or foreign objects, or an undeclared major allergen. Shoppers can verify affected products through FDA or USDA alerts using details such as a batch or expiration date. Most recalled items can be returned to the store for a full refund, even if opened, though some stores require a receipt; affected food should be disposed of safely and potentially contaminated surfaces and utensils cleaned. Foodborne illness can also bring medical costs and lost wages.
