Foodborne illnesses and hospitalizations in the United States doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to a new report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund.

The “Food for Thought 2025” report found nearly 1,400 people became ill from contaminated food in 2024, with 98% of those illnesses stemming from just 13 outbreaks.  More than 500 people were hospitalized or died, a significant increase from about 240 in 2023.

“This indicates that some companies just aren’t doing enough to keep bacteria from contaminating our food,” said Teresa Murray, Consumer Watchdog Director for U.S. PIRG Education Fund and co-author of the report. “And, when contamination does happen, companies often don’t conduct proper testing to catch it before it makes us sick.”

The report highlighted several high-profile recalls in 2024, ranging from Boar’s Head deli meats to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.  While meat and poultry recalls by the U.S. Department of Agriculture declined, recalls of other products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including produce and snacks, increased.

The report found that the number of recalls due to Listeria, Salmonella or E. coli increased significantly, comprising 39% of all recalls.

In addition, one-third of recalls in 2024 were due to undeclared allergens or other ingredients.

Recalls of pet food also increased, from seven in 2023 to 11 in 2024, according to the report.

“Once again, everything from soup to nuts threatened our health in 2024,” Murray said. “If food producers and packagers just focused more on being sanitary and labeling packages for allergens, our food would be so much safer.”

U.S. PIRG Education Fund advocates for public health and safety through research, education and outreach.