The Recall Desk
ModerateFDA (Food)·F-0001-2017·Announced 2016-10-12

Ballester Hermanos Recalls Canned Octopus in Oil Due to Mislabeling

Ballester Hermanos, Inc. is recalling canned octopus in oil because the product is actually squid. The recall covers Puerto Rico.

What this means for you

Minor labeling or packaging issue, or a voluntary precautionary recall. Risk of harm is low but real — follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The recall is classified as FDA Class II and involves a labeling error where the product identity is misstated (Octopus vs. Squid). Per the rubric, minor labeling errors and voluntary precautionary recalls fall under Moderate severity.

Plain-English summary

Ballester Hermanos, Inc. is recalling 5,286 cases of canned octopus in oil. The product is sold in cans of 4 1/4 oz (111g) and 8 1/4 oz (220g) net weight. The label identifies the product as "Coloso PULPO EN ACEITE OCTOPUS IN OIL" and states it was manufactured in Spain and packed for Coloso Foods, Inc.

The recall was initiated because the product label states the name and ingredients as Octopus, but the real content is Squid. This is a mislabeling issue regarding the identity of the seafood product.

The product was distributed in Puerto Rico only. Consumers who have purchased this product should check their pantries for cans matching the description above. The source text does not specify specific actions for consumers beyond the recall notice, such as returning the product or discarding it.

The recalled product

Product
Product in cans of 4 1/4 oz (111g) and 8 1/4 oz (220g) net weight. Label reading in part as: "Coloso***PULPO EN ACEITE***OCTOPUS IN OIL***NET WEIGHT ***Fabricado en Espa¿a (Manufactured in Spain)***Packed by: POYO PONTEVEDRA SPAIN***PACKED FOR COLOSO FOODS, INC.*** MERCADO CENT
Affected units
5,286

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Lot numbers (1)

  • Unknown

Distribution

Distributed in 1 state:

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 4 recalled by Ballester Hermanos, Inc. under a single FDA (Food) recall action. The agency files each product separately, so the size of the action is not visible from this page alone.

See all 4 products in this recall →