Product safety regulators in the European Union and United Kingdom processed 3,745 recalls during the third quarter of 2025, representing a 1.6% decline from the previous quarter, according to analysis released by Sedgwick.
Following 3,804 recall events in Q2, the sequential decrease marks the second consecutive quarter of reduced activity, though the first half of 2025 saw 7,729 recalls overall – a 10.2% increase compared to 7,011 in the same period of 2024, establishing an 11-year high.
Trends reveal that recall volumes continue to outpace historical norms with year-to-date figures running 8.4% higher than the corresponding period in 2024. The trajectory suggests that this year will set a new annual record for product recalls across both jurisdictions.
Pharmaceutical and medical device sectors reported fewer recalls in the third quarter compared with Q2, with pharmaceutical recalls falling 2.9% and medical device recalls declining 5.9%. The consumer product category experienced the most significant quarterly decrease at 16.8%.
Conversely, the automotive and food and beverage sectors recorded increases, with automotive reaching its highest quarterly volume in more than a decade.
Regulatory priorities in the EU and UK showed considerable overlap during Q3, with both authorities advancing initiatives to strengthen their positions in life sciences innovation and updating medical device regulations. Both jurisdictions also intensified focus on online commerce safety.
Chris Occleshaw (pictured above), international product recall consultant at Sedgwick, said that "whilst the UK and EU have similar priorities on their regulatory agendas, the two regimes will not always align," noting that companies should develop comprehensive compliance frameworks and crisis management strategies.
The EU notably introduced its new Toy Safety Regulation to improve consumer protections for online purchases, whilst the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency increased enforcement against illegal online drug sales.
Beyond these sector-specific measures, the UK implemented the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 with obligations for e-commerce platforms, whilst the EU expanded customs inspections of imported products destined for online sale.
Artificial intelligence integration in product applications continues to attract regulatory scrutiny. The EU pursued multiple initiatives to establish clarity regarding AI's function in product safety, while the UK's efforts centre on updating product liability frameworks to address emerging technology risks.
Food safety also remains a priority in both jurisdictions. The UK's National Health Service released its 10-Year Health Plan for England, whilst EU regulators pursued measures to strengthen accountability for maintaining food safety standards, particularly regarding Listeria contamination.
