U.S. Food Prices Jump 33% Since 2019 as FDA Probes 10 Illness Outbreaks
Updated
Updated · Memphis Flyer · Aug 12
U.S. Food Prices Jump 33% Since 2019 as FDA Probes 10 Illness Outbreaks
2 articles · Updated · Memphis Flyer · Aug 12
Summary
Government data show food bought for home consumption in U.S. cities costs 33% more than in early 2019, versus a 6.4% rise in the prior 7 1/2 years.
The FDA is simultaneously investigating 10 foodborne illness outbreaks, including Cyclospora tied to iceberg lettuce and other leafy greens, plus Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli and botulism cases linked to products from frozen blueberries to infant formula.
Two Cyclospora outbreaks have affected people in 41 states and led to hospitalizations, with severe cases potentially causing deaths.
The report ties the price surge to the pandemic, Russia's war in Ukraine, tariffs and trade disruption around Iran, while arguing agency cuts weakened food-safety oversight.
That combination of higher grocery bills and active contamination probes underscores broader pressure on U.S. consumers and scrutiny of federal regulation.