Outbreaks at McDonald’s and Boar’s Head may have everyone wondering: Is the U.S. food supply safe?

Despite recent high-profile food recalls and illness outbreaks, experts say the US food supply remains one of the safest in the world. The US ranks near the top for food safety out of 113 countries in the Global Food Security Index. The FDA and USDA announce over 300 food recalls and alerts each year, and the CDC tracks around 800 foodborne illness outbreaks annually. Most of the estimated 48 million cases of food poisoning each year are not related to confirmed outbreaks. While the pace of food recalls appears brisk this year, experts say it's business as usual and not a sign of a less safe food supply. The US has made little progress in reducing rates of foodborne illness, with infections caused by salmonella, listeria, campylobacter, and E. coli remaining steady. Food safety experts emphasize that all food carries risk and that efforts such as testing, inspections, training, and education are necessary to reduce the chances of contamination. Limited funding for public health agencies may erode food safety efforts, and individuals can play a role in reducing their risk of foodborne illness by following safe handling practices and putting pressure on stores, restaurants, and government officials to prioritize food safety. The landmark Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011 gave the FDA new authority to regulate food production, and a new rule taking effect in 2026 will require suppliers to keep records to trace fresh produce back to the source. Overall, experts stress that food safety is a serious public health issue that requires continued effort and attention.