Class I
FDA Class I means there is a reasonable probability that use of or exposure to the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Read the official notice for the products and codes involved.
FDA vs USDA food recalls
Consumers and kitchens often search one list and miss the other. FDA and USDA FSIS publish different official records for different foods. This page answers the jurisdiction and classification questions those lists assume you already know.
This site is not affiliated with FDA or USDA. If the two disagree with a page here, follow the agency notice.
Which agency regulates my food?
FDA regulates most foods other than meat, poultry, and processed egg products. USDA FSIS regulates those meat, poultry, and processed egg products. Mixed foods can involve both agencies. When unsure, search both official lists and this site’s combined records.
What do Class I, Class II, and Class III mean?
FDA uses these classes to describe health hazard. Class I means a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death. Class II means temporary or medically reversible consequences, or a remote probability of serious consequences. Class III means the product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences. Always read the specific notice.
What is a public health alert versus a recall?
A USDA FSIS public health alert warns the public about a possible hazard when a classified recall may not have been issued or when more information is still being confirmed. Treat an alert as unresolved until you read the official FSIS page. It is not proof that a product is safe or that a recall will never follow.
Why might the same event appear in more than one list?
FDA consumer alerts, FDA enforcement reports, and USDA FSIS notices can describe related products at different times. Classification can be added later. Duplicate-looking rows can still refer to different package sizes or codes. Compare official IDs and package details instead of assuming they are the same record.
Which page should I trust if this site differs from an agency notice?
Trust the official FDA or USDA FSIS notice. This site is an independent comparison project and is not affiliated with either agency.
Class labels used on this site
Class II
FDA Class II means use of or exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or the probability of serious consequences is remote. Read the official notice for the products and codes involved.
Class III
FDA Class III means use of or exposure to the product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences. The product can still be violative. Read the official notice.
Public Health Alert
USDA FSIS public health alerts warn about a possible hazard when a classified recall may not have been issued. They are not a safety clearance. Read the FSIS page.
Sources: FDA: Food Recalls: What You Need to Know · FDA recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts · USDA FSIS recalls and public health alerts · FDA food and dietary supplement recalls