Top 10 Most Dangerous Foods According to Recall Statistics

Lettuce has gained a reputation for being a carrier of foodborne illnesses—and as Food & Wine highlights, this reputation is not entirely unwarranted.

Consumer Reports recently examined data from the CDC, FDA, and FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service) regarding recalls and outbreaks between January 2017 and December 2022. The study ranked foods by risk using three criteria: the frequency of recalls and outbreaks, the number of illnesses and fatalities, and the volume of food recalled. Leafy greens led the list, with 50 recalls and outbreaks, 614 illnesses, and 11 deaths over the six-year period.

While leafy greens didn’t dominate every metric, they still ranked high. Cheese and deli meats, combined as one category, came in second with 122 recalls and outbreaks, causing 409 illnesses and 7 deaths. Onions, in fourth place, were linked to 2167 illnesses but no fatalities. Meats like ground beef, turkey, and chicken also appeared on the list, alongside unexpected fruits such as papayas, peaches, and cantaloupe.

The report isn’t intended to deter consumers from buying these products. “These foods are generally safe and often essential to a balanced diet,” stated Brian Ronholm, Consumer Reports’ food policy director and the study’s lead analyst. He emphasized that the goal is to underscore “the need to adhere to proper food safety measures for all foods, including staying informed about and responding to food recalls when they occur.”

What are the recommended food safety practices for these high-risk items? Consumer Reports provides a detailed guide. For lettuce, choose whole heads instead of pre-packaged options and discard the outer leaves. For flour, avoid tasting raw dough or batter.

Check out the top 10 most hazardous foods listed below and explore additional food safety advice in the complete study here.