The Scoop: America’s food recall summer continues as FDA gets defensive

Lettuce.

Jalapenos.

Frozen blueberries.

Eggs.

These are just a few of the staple items that have seen recalls this summer, some at the highest risk level, with a “reasonable probability” that the foods could cause serious harm or death.

Business Insider reports that despite all the headlines, a high number of food recalls isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can also show that we’re getting better at catching issues before large numbers of people get sick. It also shows the complexity of the food supply chain. Take jalapenos, for instance. The recall didn’t just impact raw produce, it also affected pre-made foods like guacamole and salsa that use jalapenos as an ingredient. That can make recalls look bigger.

Still, to be sure, food recalls aren’t great. Some lay the blame for DOGE cuts to the FDA and local public health organizations. Whatever the true cause, rather than reassuring the public about food safety, the FDA is getting defensive about negative headlines.

Don’t believe the fake news. Our data tells the true story of public health protection. 📊

FDA recalls FY2026 (1,836) remain among the lowest levels recorded in over a decade.

When safety issues arise, FDA oversight ensures swift action. Always check official sources for… pic.twitter.com/5ScSDOG0kI

— U.S. FDA (@FDA) August 21, 2026

However, Marler Clark, a law firm specializing in foodborne illness cases, found that the FDA used data that included recalls on drugs, tobacco, pet products and more. It also does not account for the fact that every other year has concluded its full fiscal year, while the data for 2026 shows just ten months of data. If we isolate just food recalls, it appears 2026 will be the highest in the last five years.

Why it matters: Rather than getting testy and using misleading numbers, this is the time to step up and reassure the American people about the safety of the food they’re eating. Especially at a time when the Trump administration is pushing a return to whole foods and away from processed items, getting people to trust the safety of items like lettuce and blueberries is vital.

Kyle Diamantas, acting FDA commissioner, did go on CNBC two weeks ago to declare that lettuce is now safe from Cyclospora.

“Americans should feel confident in eating fresh produce, including leafy greens at this point,” Diamantas said. “The FDA ⁠remains confident that all iceberg lettuce related to the Cyclospora outbreak has been effectively removed from the market as of the July ​17th recall.”

However, this appears to be only one interview in recent weeks — and in a business-focused outlet, rather than one that will reach the general public.

Transparency, honesty and constant repetition of the message are needed: Food is safe. Here is what we’re doing to keep it that way. Otherwise, fear will continue.

Why is Flock’s CEO calling for a compromise?

Flock, a company that conducts public surveillance via license plate readers, cameras and drones, has been in the spotlight recently as Americans become increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of being tracked in public. A number of high-profile incidents in which police officers have misused the technology to stalk romantic partners didn’t help.

“I apologize. It kills me that she went through that,” said CEO Garrett Langley after hearing a survivor’s story. Of course, he also went on to defend the technology: “I don’t think that Flock created police abuse. I think we’re the first company to ever shine a light on it and build the tools to find it.”

Mostly, however, Langley called for compromise.

“When people talk about just one of these, privacy or safety, they’re prioritizing the wrong thing, and what we have to prioritize as a country is compromise.”

Langley spoke specifically about holding police accountable for misuse of the system. But the privacy concerns will be more difficult to compromise on, as it’s difficult to opt out of walking or driving down a public street.

Kudos to Langley for being out there taking accountability and proposing solutions. But will it be enough for an already angry populace? And what kind of compromise can truly be reached?

Why are brands talking about ‘maxxing’ and ‘mogging’?

If you’re somehow not chronically online, maxxing and mogging are two controversial terms that originated in male-dominated online spaces where men share sometimes insane tips on how to optimize (“max”) their appearances — like using a hammer on your face. Mogging, which means being better than someone else, originated as the term “Alpha Male of the Group” in incel and pickup artist forums.

But now brands are getting involved. There’s now a Carl’s Jr. Spicy Chicken Maxx sandwich, for instance.

“The term captures an all-in mindset—getting the most out of what you want—and gave us a culturally relevant way to launch a menu item that ‘goes bigger’ when competitors are going smaller,” Carl’s Jr. said in a statement.

These terms have certainly breached containment and shed some of their roots to become part of the Gen Z/Gen Alpha vernacular. But brands need to be careful. Slang meanings can shift quickly, and not everyone has forgotten where these terms came from. Research carefully and make sure slang has become brand-safe before you incorporate it into your campaigns.

Why is TikTok paying $400 million?

TikTok has reached a deal with the Department of Justice to pay $400 million over allegations the app violated children’s privacy laws.

“This settlement is a major victory for American children and parents,” said U.S. Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “The Department’s priority is ensuring that children are protected online and that companies entrusted with their personal information meet their legal obligations. This resolution secures a substantial recovery while reinforcing the protections that families expect and deserve.”

The release from the DOJ noted that TikTok has changed its ownership structure since the lawsuit was filed. But the case is notable as another social media network being held accountable for the way it interacts with children. We are entering a new era of social media regulation. Are you ready?

Bonus

Ragan CEO Diane Schwartz was recently honored as PRSA’s inaugural Women of Impact Award for Innovative Use of AI & Communications Technology. So it was only fitting that she shared a few thoughts with PRSA about the future of AI.

“As organizations reinvent themselves, communicators have the opportunity to become one of the most influential leadership functions in the enterprise. That will happen by thinking more like business leaders,” Schwartz wrote.

Read the full article here.

Allison Carter is editorial director of PR Daily and Ragan.com. Follow her on LinkedIn.