Food recalls happen all the time due to issues found after food items go on sale to customers. If you buy a product that is under a recall, you may receive a direct notice or you may only learn about it through news stories or other media.
The International Food Information Council Foundation explains that a recall is a voluntary removal of a product from the market. Typically, the manufacturer will do this, but sometimes, the government may issue the recall, usually the FDA or USDA.
Recall classes
Recalls will occur in classes. Class I recalls are the most serious. Food in this class could cause serious health risks and injuries to you. These recalls can be for anything from bacteria in food to dangerous foreign substances, such as metal, in the food item.
Class II recalls are less serious but could lead to some aggravating health conditions. An example would be a situation where the manufacturer’s temperatures were off on equipment, which leads to the food item storage being at a higher temperature than it should have been during one point of the manufacturing process. In most cases, if you cook the food fully, you would be fine. Even if you did not cook it fully, you may only suffer mild symptoms from consuming it.
Class III recalls are the least severe. Products in this category will typically not lead to health issues for most people but could be problematic for some. An example is a food item that contains an allergen but does not include a warning on the label.
How they originate
Recalls can happen due to consumers like you making complaints to a company. They also often result from regular testing companies must do to ensure food safety.