The Recall Desk
Agency classClass IIOur severity:ModerateUSDA FSIS·011-2016·Announced 2016-01-25

Berks Packing Recalls Beef Knockwurst Due to Misbranding and Pork Content

Berks Packing Co. is recalling 1,320 pounds of beef knockwurst that may contain pork and erythorbate due to misbranding.

The agency’s classification

USDA FSIS: 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 Class II and involves misbranding with undeclared pork and erythorbate. The source explicitly states that no illnesses or injuries have been reported, fitting the criteria for a moderate severity voluntary precautionary recall.

Plain-English summary

Berks Packing Co., a Reading, Pennsylvania establishment, is recalling approximately 1,320 pounds of beef products that may be misbranded. The recalled items are 1-lb. plastic shrink-wrapped packages of BERKS Heat & Serve Knockwurst with a sell-by date of March 11, 2016. The products bear establishment number EST. 8782 inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The recall was initiated because the products may contain pork and erythorbate, an additive, which were not declared on the label. The issue was discovered by company personnel who identified the incorrect labels and notified FSIS inspectors. The products were shipped to retail locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, New York, West Virginia, Virginia, and Delaware.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions, injury, or illness from the consumption of these products. Consumers who have purchased these items are urged not to consume them and should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

The recalled product

Product
Berks Packing Co. Recalls Beef Products Due to Misbranding
Brand
Berks Packing Co., Inc.
Manufacturer
Berks Packing Co., Inc.
Category
Food — Beef Products
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed in 7 states:

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