Who is responsible for making food recalls?

The responsibility for making food recalls primarily lies with the manufacturer. Manufacturers are required to ensure that their products meet safety standards and are safe for consumption. When they identify a potential safety issue—whether through their own testing, consumer complaints, or reports from regulatory bodies—they must take the initiative to recall the product to protect public health.

While the FDA plays a significant role in overseeing food safety and can request recalls or take enforcement actions if necessary, the initial responsibility falls to the manufacturer. They have the most direct knowledge and control over their production processes and can best assess the safety of their products.

Distributors and the CDC also have roles in the context of food safety; however, the distributor's role is often more about handling and distributing products rather than initiating recalls, and the CDC focuses on tracking and investigating foodborne illness outbreaks. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the critical responsibility that manufacturers hold in the food recall process.