PRODUCER WELFARE CHANGES FROM MEAT AND POULTRY RECALLS

The number and volume of meat and poultry recalls has increased substantially in recent years. This is likely due to regulatory emphasis on foodborne illness resulting in an increased frequency of testing for pathogens. We use an equilibrium-displacement model to examine the effects of recall costs on the beef, pork, and poultry industries. Results suggest that higher recall costs may have actually increased producer surplus to the broiler industry because of consumer substitution among products and that most losses resulting from recalls are accruing to the beef and pork industries.