Recalls rise in Switzerland but down for Belgium in 2023

In 2023, Switzerland saw a surge in warnings and recalls compared to the previous year, with 17 public warnings and 73 food recalls issued by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), a significant increase from 2022's nine public warnings and 39 recalls. Pathogenic microorganisms accounted for most issues, with Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, and Bacillus cereus being the main culprits. Foreign bodies, mycotoxins, and pesticide residues also led to recalls. Allergens, particularly undeclared milk and nuts, prompted seven recalls and four public warnings. Product categories most affected included "milk and dairy products," "herbs and spices," and "other/mixed foodstuffs." The overall Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) notifications rose to 4,684, with Switzerland's involvement stable at 232. In Belgium, 254 products were recalled in 2023, down from 289, with most recalls due to chemical or microbiological risks, including bacterial contamination and foreign bodies.