New report shows alarming data regarding food recalls in Arizona

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 128,000 Americans are hospitalized due to foodborne illnesses

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - It's become more and more frequent reports of recalls involving food. But, in many cases, the recall comes after thousands if not tens of thousands of people have been hospitalized.

So the Arizona Public Interest Research Group surveyed fifty of the country's top grocery chains and convenience stores to see what protocols were taken in the event of a recall.

According to the report Food for thought: Are your groceries safe? half of those interviewed said that they would notify their customers by way of posting a warning on their websites, social media, or by text.

A third reported that the responsibility falls on the consumer.

Diane Brown with Arizona PIRG says that there are ways for consumers to stay informed when a new recall is publicized. The first of which is visiting sites like the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture.

Brown says that customers can also visit their local grocery store's customer service desk and ask what the store's recall procedure is. There are also apps like Food Keeper which will send you a notice when a recall is released.