Recall Readiness in a Changing World

Looking back at recall management in 2025, there has been meaningful movement in the right direction, especially around digital transformation and recall readiness. There’s also inertia that has resulted in unnecessary pain and suffering from foodborne illness. Many companies are still working through the challenges created by siloed systems and inconsistent processes. The shift toward connected tech is helping improve visibility and traceability, but it’s clear the industry is still catching up to what modern recall management requires.

The new administration, regulatory agencies, and global events added pressures that pushed these changes forward. Fluctuating tariffs drew attention to the global supply chain, and the need for more global recall solutions. Consumers became more vocal about food safety, demanding better, more effective recall communication.

It hasn’t been an easy year, but pressure creates the opportunity to build resilience. As companies adapt, we’re starting to see the early shape of a more connected and responsive supply chain.

Here’s a look at the trends that shaped 2025 and what they mean for the year ahead: 

Food Safety Got Closer to the Consumer

From concern about grocery prices to rising food recalls, consumers are talking about food safety more than ever before. As restaurants and suppliers navigated a volatile supply chain, the demand for faster traceability, clearer communication, and global coordination has reached a new level of urgency. 

With wide-scale recalls continuing at an unnerving frequency, consumers are, understandably, demanding better, faster communication about these issues. Known to be slow to adopt tech tools and innovations that help move data across the supply chain, the food industry is under intense pressure to provide faster recall information and instructions, updated in real-time as recalls evolve. 

Prediction for 2026: Consumer expectations will drive better recall communication, pushing retailers and manufacturers alike to expand direct-to-consumer outreach through loyalty programs, digital receipts, QR codes, and product lookup tools. Broader industry efforts already underway will gain momentum—including Stop Foodborne Illness’ work to standardize communication templates and the Alliance for Recall Ready Communities’ work on a unified recall process that enables better messaging across the supply chain.

Tariffs Highlighted the Global Nature of Food Safety

Political tensions, rising costs, and other issues have impacted global food supply chains. Ongoing trade tensions and shifting tariffs have made the global nature of the food supply chain more visible—mostly through the lens of price increases. Behind the scenes, these disruptions highlight the global nature of food logistics and the pressing need for a global recall solution. 

Manufacturers sourcing ingredients across multiple countries are still dealing with a patchwork of regulatory requirements, technologies, and recall protocols. The need for harmonized, cross-border recall systems is more urgent than ever.

Prediction for 2026: There will be more momentum around standardizing international recall protocols, particularly among multinational suppliers who need unified tools for tracking and action across borders.

Big Push Toward a Digitally Connected Supply Chain

This past year, digital transformation arrived on the food safety supply chain, as better data management and connectivity are top-of-mind issues. Companies are wisely investing in digital infrastructure that enables higher quality data, faster accessibility and sharing, and system interoperability (think testing, traceability, and recall execution).  

Innovative technologies—like AI and predictive analytics—flag potential safety risks before they happen, based on data from past incidents, seasonal trends, or supply chain inputs. For example, advanced environmental and pathogen monitoring in processing plants detect signs of contamination earlier, which means that food businesses can remove contaminated products before they hit the retail level. This is an important shift, taking food safety management from reactive to preventive. 

Connected technologies are boosting traceability—with increased precision down to ingredient-level and lot code tracking. Integrated tools also improve collaboration, as digitized audit trails allow regulators and trading partners to quickly trace contaminated products to determine when/where they were made, and exactly where they travelled. Plus, AI-powered systems can gather and analyze substantial amounts of data to monitor trends, flag issues, and support faster, more informed decision-making. 

Now that food businesses are shifting to connected systems, they’re better equipped to manage recalls. When companies use standardized product data and interoperable systems, information moves more smoothly across the supply chain. That allows recall messages to be shared faster through tools like QR codes, loyalty programs, in-store signage, and online updates.

Prediction for 2026: More food businesses will adopt integrated digital systems that standardize data and unify processes from prevention to detection to recall execution. The FDA's upcoming Food Traceability Rule will drive positive changes, including better end-to-end traceability for foods, even though its deadline has been extended to 2028.

Food Safety Is Bigger Than Politics

One unexpected, but important, takeaway from this year: food safety must be a bipartisan issue. When food safety becomes political, everyone loses. With a year full of divisive changes, food safety has continued to be a priority across the industry and consumer protection remains non-negotiable.  

Prediction for 2026: Expect increased public-private collaboration on recall readiness and risk prevention, especially in areas like recall data sharing and consumer communication.

The future of food safety looks positive, with more connected technologies, collaborative efforts, and a global spotlight on a safer, more resilient food supply. Technology is the thread that connects these improvements, as the food industry finally embraces modern, integrated solutions that enable faster, more effective response to food risk. The work isn’t finished, but the foundations for a more responsive food safety system are finally taking shape.