Under what circumstances can meat and poultry products be recalled?

Recalls of meat and poultry products are primarily initiated when these items are found to be contaminated or misbranded. Contamination can involve harmful bacteria, viruses, or chemical residues that may pose health risks to consumers. Misbranding refers to any labeling issues that may mislead consumers regarding the product's ingredients, nutritional content, or safety. The USDA regulations mandate the recall of any food products that present a risk to public health, ensuring that consumers are protected from unsafe products.

The other scenarios listed do not typically warrant a recall. Outdated, unsold products usually fall under the responsibility of retailers and distributors, and price changes or packaging design alterations do not inherently affect food safety or misbranding concerns. Recalls specifically target public health and safety issues, making the identification of contamination or misbranding the key trigger for such actions.