Supply chains become more complex, and regulations become more stringent. This has naturally contributed to a rise in product recalls over the past few years, and these recalls show no signs of slowing down. In fact, according to Sedgwick, recalls in 2024 saw a record high number of product recalls and that trend is expected to continue in 2025.
According to the ETQ Global Quality in Manufacturing survey, 73% of organizations have experienced a product recall in the last five years, and 48% noted an increase in recalls in the last five years. Our research also shows that maintaining compliance is still a key priority for Chief Quality Officers by a 4-to-1 margin.
While product recalls can affect any industry, some experience higher rates than others. Industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics and children’s toys, in particular, are more prone to recalls given their possibility of causing significant human safety issues if their product fails.
Take a closer look at some of the most significant product recalls of 2024 across these key industries andexplore some of the key ways that quality and safety professionals can leverage technology to integrate quality management throughout the entire value chain as we move into 2025.
Pharmaceutical Recalls
Pharmaceutical organizations are subject to strict regulatory standards, and monitoring continues long after drugs hit the market. Even small variations in quality across the supply chain can trigger a recall.
November’s Duloxetine Recall
More than 7,100 bottles of Duloxetine, which is sold under the brand name Cymbalta, among others, were recalled in November, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
According to the notice, the capsules contained a higher level of N-nitroso-duloxetine than is permitted. This chemical compound has been linked to causing cancer and can be toxic if swallowed in high quantities, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Food Recalls
Supply chains related to food production are complex, and they come with many safety, logistical, and regulatory challenges. Given that food safety is linked to public health, recalls are relatively common.
19 States Recalled Cucumbers
In November, federal officials recalled cucumbers from several companies (including SunFed Produce, Baloian Farms of Arizona Co., and Russ Davis Wholesale) grown by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico.
These cucumbers are linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened over 65 people across 19 states. As of December 10, the outbreak has led to 18 hospitalizations.
Companies in some states also recalled foods that were made with cucumbers, such as wraps and salads or sliced cucumbers, according to a statement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Automotive Recalls
Increased vehicle complexity and a higher number of electronic components in vehicles have led to a steady rise in automotive recalls over recent years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report published in March 2024.
Tesla Recalled its Cybertruck Six Times This Year
2024 has been a big year for Tesla recalls. As of December 2024, Tesla has issued six recalls this year so far.
Most recently, in November, the company recalled 2,400 Cybertruck pickups in the US, reporting that a faulty part could result in a loss of power and increase the risk of a crash. In October, Tesla recalled 27,000 Cybertrucks as a result of delayed rear-view camera images.
In July, Tesla recalled 1.85 million US vehicles due to a software failure to detect an unlatched hood. In June, it recalled over 11,000 vehicles due to an issue with windscreen wipers, and in April, it recalled almost 4,000 vehicles over a loose accelerator pedal pad.
Chrysler’s Parent Company, Stellantis, Worldwide Recall
In September, Chrysler parent Stellantis recalled 1.46 million vehicles worldwide, including approximately 1.23 million vehicles in the US, 159,000 in Canada, 13,000 in Mexico and 61,000 outside North America.
The vehicles failed to comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard on electronic stability control systems as a result of a software malfunction in the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Children’s Products
Children are typically more vulnerable to injury and harm than most adult consumers, which means children’s products have stricter safety standards. Even small defects can cause significant issues, which means recalls in this area are more common.
Fisher-Price’s Snuga Swings Recall
In October, Fisher-Price announced it was recalling its popular baby swings. The recall followed the deaths of five infants, who were between the ages of one month and three months old, which occurred between 2012 and 2022.
A statement released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) read, “The swing should never be used for sleep, and bedding materials should never be added to it. If the product is used for sleep or bedding material is added, the headrest and body support insert on the seat pad can increase the risk of suffocation.”
Consumer Electronics
Consumer electronics are made up of numerous components, making the supply chain inherently complex and increasing the likelihood of issues arising. Additionally, these products must meet rigorous safety standards and comply with strict regulations, further adding to the challenge of ensuring their quality and safety.
Vitamix Blender Parts Recall
In June, Vitamix, a well-known and high-end blender company, expanded an extensive recall it had previously issued in 2018.
In a report, the CPSC stated, “The containers can separate from the blade base, exposing the blades, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.”
It also stated, “Vitamix has received 27 reports of lacerations, including 11 reports from the prior 2018 recall, when consumers’ hands came in contact with exposed blades.”
Recalls Are Set to Rise Again in 2025
Following a rise in recalls in 2024, recalls are set to rise even further as we move into 2025.
However, developments in technology, such as generative AI, are helping leaders find new ways to navigate these recalls by enhancing product design, improving quality control across the supply chain and enabling more proactive risk management.
By utilizing technology such as the ETQ Reliance electronic quality management system (EQMS) to automate key parts of compliance, Chief Quality Officers can significantly lighten the manual load required to maintain compliance.
Using this technology to promote data-based decision-making can help enhance a culture of customer focus and significantly reduce the number of recalls as we move into 2025.
To learn how organizations like yours are using ETQ Reliance to reduce their recall exposure and minimize the cost of poor quality, contact a quality expert.
