Food Standards Australia reports that there were 72 food recalls in 2016 (81 in 2015, 76 in 2014).
The rise in the number of recalls is well above the average number of 61 recalls per year for the past 10 years.
Undeclared allergens and microbiological contamination are the leading causes, with foreign matter and bio-toxins also being significant reasons.
Dairy, peanut and wheat/gluten issues are the cause of over 61% of food recalls for undeclared allergens in 2016.