The Recall Desk
Agency classClass IIOur severity:ModerateFDA (Food)·F-0002-2017·Announced 2016-10-12

Ballester Hermanos Recalls Canned Octopus with Garlic Flavor Due to Mislabeling

Ballester Hermanos, Inc. is recalling 495 cases of Coloso brand canned octopus with garlic flavor in Puerto Rico because the product contains squid instead of octopus.

The agency’s classification

FDA (Food): Class II

Class II is a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 2/5 (Moderate).

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, which typically involves a low probability of serious adverse health consequences. The hazard is a labeling error (squid labeled as octopus) rather than a high-risk pathogen or common allergen mislabeling, fitting the criteria for a moderate severity score.

Plain-English summary

Ballester Hermanos, Inc. is recalling 495 cases of Coloso brand PULPO AL AJILLO (Octopus with Garlic Flavor) in cans of 4 1/4 oz and 8 1/4 oz net weight. The product was distributed in Puerto Rico only. The cans are labeled as containing octopus, but the actual content is squid.

The recall was initiated because the product label states the name and ingredients as octopus, while the real content is squid. This discrepancy constitutes a mislabeling of the product's primary ingredient.

Consumers who have purchased this product should check their pantries for cans matching the description: Coloso brand, PULPO AL AJILLO, packed by POYO PONTEVEDRA SPAIN, and packed for COLOSO FOODS, INC. in Puerto Rico. If found, consumers should dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase.

The recalled product

Product
Product in cans of 4 1/4 oz and 8 1/4 oz net weight. Label reading in part as: "Coloso***PULPO AL AJILLO***OCTOPUS WITH GARLIC FLAVOR***NET WEIGHT ***Fabricado en Espa¿a (Manufactured in Spain)***Packed by: POYO PONTEVEDRA SPAIN***PACKED FOR COLOSO FOODS, INC.*** MERCADO…
Manufacturer
Ballester Hermanos, Inc.
Category
Food — Canned Seafood
Hazard
Affected units
495

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 →

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