If a contamination during manufacturing causes deaths, what type of recall would the FDA issue?

The FDA would issue a Class I recall in the event of a contamination during manufacturing that leads to deaths. Class I recalls are reserved for situations where there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. This classification reflects the highest level of risk to patients, underscoring the seriousness of the contamination and its potentially fatal outcomes. In such circumstances, swift action is necessary to protect public health and ensure that the offending products are removed from circulation immediately.

In contrast, Class II recalls pertain to situations where the product may cause temporary or reversible adverse health effects, while Class III recalls involve products that are unlikely to cause any adverse health consequences but that violate FDA regulations. Class IV, though not an officially recognized category by the FDA, is sometimes informally referenced in discussions but does not pertain to the established recall classifications. Given the context of the question, a Class I recall is clearly the appropriate action when lives are at stake due to contamination.