Food recalls are making headlines all the time, often because of undeclared allergens or misprinted labels on a product. Some high-profile recalls attract more public attention than others, but they’re happening all the time.
So far in 2026, the FDA has recorded 605 food-related recalls. Recalls continue to occur across the food and beverage industry, and labeling errors remain one of the leading causes. Undeclared allergens, incorrect ingredient statements, and packaging mix-ups still account for a significant portion of recall activity. While labeling compliance is often viewed as a downstream task, many of these issues point to deeper, systemic gaps in how data is managed upstream.
Why are labeling errors continuing to happen?
Despite many efforts by food and beverage manufacturers to understand and comply with labeling standards, labeling recalls continue to be a major issue across the industry. According to the US PIRG Education Fund, in 2024, nearly 34% of US food recalls were caused by undeclared allergens.
Even when allergen programs are well designed, they rely on accurate, up‑to‑date data flowing consistently from sourcing through packaging. When that data changes unexpectedly, labels can change quickly, increasing the risk of the wrong label appearing on a product.
Below are some other common causes of labeling errors:
- Manual processes and human error: Manual data entry increases risk, especially in high-volume environments. A missed update, incorrect file selection, or outdated specification can result in the wrong label being added to the wrong product.
- Supply chain disruptions: Short‑notice ingredient substitutions, whether due to shortages, transportation issues, or cost pressures, often require quick label changes. If those changes are approved for production without corresponding label updates, the product can be mislabeled.
- Communication silos: When suppliers or research and development teams change product information, updates don’t always reach packaging, which results in outdated labels hitting the production floor.
- Incorrect packaging: Stockouts of pre‑printed labels, rushed changeovers, or misprinted runs can lead to products being packed in outdated or incorrect packaging formats.
These are just a few of the gaps we see that explain why labeling errors persist within companies. Without connected, timely data flowing across the product lifecycle, labeling accuracy depends on manual checks and assumptions, precisely the conditions that recall investigations most often expose.
What regulators expect during recall investigations in 2026
The same issues that cause labeling errors are what regulators are looking for during a recall investigation. As we continue through 2026, regulators are expecting companies to be recall-ready and fast when the recalls happen. Here are some ways to prepare.
Data sharing and transparency
Regulators frequently uncover conflicting information across departments. Regulators want to see that production changes, supplier updates, and allergen information flow consistently and in real time across teams.
Supply chain resilience
Ingredient shortages and short‑notice substitutions are now just a reality of food manufacturing. Regulators evaluate whether organizations can manage change without losing labeling control and can keep production and packaging aligned during disruption.
Proactive regulatory readiness
Beyond compliance on paper, regulators assess preparedness. This includes the ability to produce complete, accurate records, demonstrate how data moves through the organization, and show preventive controls that catch labeling issues before recalls happen.
Advanced traceability solutions
Regulators expect companies to trace products at the lot level across ingredients, production, and packaging. This allows for a quick verification of what went into a product, how it was produced, and whether labeling accurately reflected that information at the time of distribution.
Invest in label security and traceability software
Companies should be looking to better their labeling security, so recalls don’t occur. It’s important because it protects your brand’s reputation and customer safety. Investing in labeling now if far less than managing recalls fines later. It’s key to find a labeling solution that is up for the challenge and there for you.
Look for these features within your label security software to help your company have better labeling:
- Enable role-based access to your food labeling software: This limits who can create, edit, or approve labels, which reduces unauthorized changes.
- Leverage network licensing for multi-user labeling environments: Reduce the risk of outdated labels by ensuring all teams across locations work from the same approved label files.
- Enforce a secure label approval process: Create accountability by ensuring label changes are reviewed and approved before getting used by teams.
- Leverage centralized label management: Establish a single source of truth where labels can live, so if one label is updated, other locations have their label updated too.
- Automate printing from your business system: You can reduce errors by pulling approved data directly from your ERP system to your labels.
Implementing a robust label security and traceability system helps ensure no bad labels leave the production floor. With better visibility and control into the history of your labels, you can quickly address and fix labeling problems from the source and respond effectively before recalls occur.
