2024 has seen its fair share of food recalls, two of the most notable being outbreaks of listeria and E. coli in major consumer food products. These incidents underscore the necessity for food sanitation services and preventive maintenance protocols in food-producing facilities. 

Just last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) detected E. coli in onions distributed to McDonald’s locations, which led to 90 cases, 27 hospitalizations and one death. The CDC, FDA and USDA-FSIS are now investigating the processing center in Colorado that supplied the onions to the major fast food chain. 

In July, Boar’s Head announced a recall of over seven million pounds of its deli meat and liverwurst due to a listeria outbreak, resulting in 59 hospitalizations and 10 deaths across the United States. As a result, their liverwurst product is now permanently discontinued, and the facility in Jarratt, Virginia where the outbreak originated is closed for good. Upon inspection, USDA staff found dozens of violations at the plant, including mold, mildew, insects, and standing water, all of which point to a breakdown in food safety management and facility maintenance. 

Not only do large-scale food recalls alarm the consumer, but the setbacks have an economic impact on the distributor. McDonald’s stock fell around 10% after the news broke, and business executives are working around the clock to regain the trust of their customers. Similarly, Boar’s Head is now facing a handful of wrongful death suits from customers and grappling with the Jarratt facility closure, which left about 500 of its employees out of a job. 

When food manufacturers partner with food safety experts, Harrigan Sanitation Solutions can streamline the sanitation compliance process and adhere diligently to regulations from organizations such as the USDA, FDA, SQFI, and BRCGS — it makes all the difference in reducing risk and powering profit. 

Proactive maintenance and well-managed sanitation of food processing equipment are crucial, as well as hiring trustworthy teams to oversee food processing facilities. By working with effective managers and team members who feel valued, Harrigan is more likely to reduce the likelihood of accidents, improve operational efficiency and enhance overall safety. 

To avoid recalls and food safety concerns, Harrigan collaborates with suppliers to create tailored master sanitation schedules that streamline the sanitation process, ensure team members follow sanitation guidelines through compliance plans, and foster a motivated work environment to reduce turnover and meet company performance indicators. Contact Harrigan today to get started on fulfilling your sanitation needs.