Recall classification
Recalls are classified according to their potential seriousness. This classification is given to a recall by the government agency responsible for overseeing the recall.
Both FDA and FSIS classify recalls according to this system:
Class I - A Class I recall involves a health hazard situation in which there is a reasonable probability that eating the food will cause health problems or death.
Class II - A Class II recall involves a potential health hazard situation in which there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from eating the food.
Class III - A Class III recall involves a situation in which eating the food will not cause adverse health consequences.