Food recalls have become a serious issue, and 2025 is already proving to be a year filled with multiple major recalls across the United States. From frozen vegetables contaminated with listeria to products containing foreign objects, food safety has never been more critical. Food safety experts at FOSS IQX reviewed data from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, spanning from 2010 to 2024, to highlight the states with the highest rates of food recalls. These findings are startling, as it’s not always the most populous states that lead the way in terms of recalls. In fact, some smaller states have significantly higher recall rates per capita than larger ones.
Top States with the Highest Food Recall Rates
The results might surprise many, as some of the smallest states in the U.S. have the highest rates of food recalls per 100,000 residents. As more recalls flood the market, consumers should stay alert and stay updated on any recalls in their state to ensure they are purchasing safe food items.
- Vermont: The State with the Most Recalls Vermont leads the nation with the highest food recall rate. From 2010 to 2024, the Green Mountain State had 2.47 recalls per 100,000 people. While Vermont is not one of the most densely populated states in the U.S., its food safety record stands out. Despite its small population, Vermont has been a hot spot for recalls, placing a greater emphasis on the importance of monitoring local food safety concerns. The relatively frequent recalls in the state indicate that it is essential for residents to stay on top of the latest alerts from food manufacturers and regulatory agencies.
- Wyoming: A Surprising Runner-Up Wyoming, the least-populated state in America, holds the second spot for food recalls, with a rate of 2.23 recalls per 100,000 residents. While it may seem that the small population would result in fewer food recalls, the state has experienced an unexpectedly high number of product safety issues. Being a rural state with a low population density, Wyoming may have less immediate access to national news about food recalls, making it all the more important for consumers to be vigilant in the state.
- Rhode Island: A Notable Record Coming in third is Rhode Island, with a rate of 2.19 recalls per 100,000 people. This small state, often overshadowed by its larger neighbors like Massachusetts and Connecticut, has had 24 food recalls since 2010. The state has been dealing with a consistent number of recalls each year, which raises questions about the reasons behind this. In fact, despite its small size, Rhode Island sees more frequent recalls than many larger states.
- Delaware: The State with the Roughest Year Delaware ranks fourth on the list, with 2.04 recalls per 100,000 residents. The state had a particularly difficult year in 2017, with a record 8 food recalls occurring in that one year alone. This surge of recalls is one of the key reasons Delaware has made it onto the list of top states for food safety concerns. While the state’s total number of recalls is not as high as Vermont or Wyoming, its 2017 recall spike was a reminder of how unpredictable food safety can be, even in smaller states.
- Maine: Consistent but Manageable Maine takes the fifth position with 1.86 food recalls per 100,000 residents. While not as alarming as other states on the list, Maine had notable years in 2016 and 2019 when the state experienced five recalls in each of those years. These spikes in food recalls highlight the need for both local residents and businesses to stay vigilant about food safety practices, especially as the state is home to a significant amount of the nation’s seafood industry.
- Alaska: A Smaller but Important Presence Alaska ranks sixth with 1.77 recalls per 100,000 residents. Despite its remote location and relatively low population, Alaska had its top year for food recalls in 2015, when three recalls occurred. Although the state does not have a high number of recalls overall, residents and consumers must pay attention to any food safety issues, especially given the state’s reliance on a variety of food imports due to its isolation from the mainland.
- Hawaii: A Surprising High Rate Hawaii might seem like a tropical paradise, but it ranks seventh with 1.74 recalls per 100,000 residents. Despite being smaller in population, Hawaii’s food safety concerns have been noticeable, with 25 food recalls between 2010 and 2024. Notably, Hawaii saw a peak of four recalls in 2011, illustrating that even in far-flung, picturesque locations, food recalls are a serious issue.
The Surprising Nature of Food Recalls
While some of the states mentioned above may seem unlikely to have such high rates of food recalls, the reality is that food safety issues can affect any region. Larger and more densely populated states like California, Texas, and Florida do not appear as frequently on the list of states with the highest number of recalls, which indicates that the issue is not always linked to population size or geography. Smaller, rural states are proving that food recalls can impact any community, and vigilance is necessary to ensure food safety.
Food recalls can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from contamination with harmful bacteria or pathogens, to foreign objects accidentally finding their way into food products, to mislabeling or unreported allergens. As food allergies continue to rise across the nation, it is more important than ever for individuals to stay informed about open recalls, especially if they have sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients.
Why Staying Informed Matters
The increase in food recalls, combined with the rise in food allergies, highlights the need for consumers to stay proactive about their food choices. With the internet, social media, and apps dedicated to food safety, staying informed about the latest recalls is easier than ever before. Whether it’s checking the USDA’s website, signing up for recall notifications, or simply paying attention to news reports, consumers must stay vigilant to protect themselves and their families.
In conclusion, as food safety concerns continue to grow, the states listed above are leading the charge in terms of recall rates per capita. However, the issue of food safety is not confined to these states alone. With recalls happening across the country and food allergies on the rise, it’s important for everyone to stay up-to-date on the latest food safety alerts to ensure that they are not putting themselves at risk.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed: How to Navigate Food Recalls in 2025
Food safety is a year-round priority. As food recalls continue to rise, it’s vital to stay informed about the latest risks. To protect your health and that of your family, keep track of food recalls, understand the potential risks, and always check your pantry and fridge for products that may have been recalled.
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.
