Precautionary Recalls Continue To Expand
As the FDA and CDC continue what has been described as "a very active and dynamic investigation into the source of the current Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak," more companies, in an abundance of caution, are proactively (and voluntarily) recalling potentially implicated products. In just the last two days, additional recalls were announced for select products produced by Evening Rise Bread, Ready Pac, Country Maid, Nature's Path, NutriSystems, Premier Nutrition, Boca Grande, Blanton's Candies, and Weis Markets. The investigation has even led to the recall of pet treats, as PetSmart, announced yesterday a recall of "Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits."
Despite the seeming expansive scope of the ongoing recalls, we should remember that the recalls are being being voluntarily initiated by companies who are working extremely closely with governmental investigators. In many cases, products are being recalled not because they have been shown to be contaminated, but as a precautionary measure because the potential exists. Outbreak investigations (whether they involve tomatoes, peppers or peanuts), tend to be very fluid and dynamic and, in most instances, decisions are made moment-to-moment based upon the best available information.
In turn, we continue to wish the best to both investigators and industry working tirelessly to bring this outbreak to closure. As I've stated many times in the past, although our food safety system is not perfect, there are countless Americans at all levels striving even as we speak to make it better.
From leafy-greens to ground beef, we have witnessed an increase in recent years in reported outbreaks. With improved surveillance, we will likely continue to see many more outbreaks identified and investigated. In some of these cases, it may be possible to identify potential problems with a suspected food product long before a source is confirmed. A perfect example, of course, includes early reports in the recent 
