A recall involving a health hazard with a remote probability of adverse health consequences from eating the food (e.g., foreign materials) is a

• A. Class III recall
• B. No recall
• C. Class II recall
• D. Class I recall

Answer: (C)

Recall classifications are based on how severe the potential health outcome could be and how likely it is to occur. A health hazard with a remote probability of adverse health consequences from eating the food fits a Class II recall. This reflects a real safety concern, but the chance of causing illness is low enough that it’s not as urgent as a Class I recall, which involves a reasonable probability of serious harm or death. It’s also more concerned than a Class III recall, which covers issues unlikely to cause any adverse health effects. Foreign materials can prompt recalls, but the final classification depends on both the severity of the potential harm and how likely it is to occur; when that probability is remote, Class II is the appropriate category.