Follow-Up: Haifa Smoked Fish Recalls About 560 Pounds of Cold Smoked Sprats Over Botulism Risk: All Lots Sold Through Retail Stores in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a company announcement on October 27 stating that Haifa Smoked Fish of Queens, New York (D&M Smoked Fish Inc.), is recalling approximately 560 pounds of Cold Smoked Sprats, with all lots included, due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism. The product was distributed through retail stores in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and no illnesses have been reported to date.
The recalled sprats were packed loose in bulk cardboard boxes labeled Cold Smoked Sprats and shipped refrigerated. The company warned consumers not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. Consumers who purchased the product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund; questions can be directed to the company at 718-523-8899 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
The recall follows an FDA inspection at D&M Smoked Fish Inc. in Jamaica, Queens, which found the firm was producing cold-smoked sprats without the required food safety controls to prevent Clostridium botulinum growth and toxin formation. On October 23, the FDA recommended the company recall all cold smoked sprats on the market; the firm declined at that time, and the FDA issued its own alert advising consumers, retailers, wholesalers, restaurants and food service customers not to eat, sell or serve the product, which had been confirmed in Connecticut as well and may have reached additional states. GSM reported that alert on October 23; the company has now announced a recall of about 560 pounds.
Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause general weakness, dizziness, double vision and trouble speaking or swallowing, as well as difficulty breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation; people experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention. The FDA notes that food contaminated with botulinum toxin can look, taste or smell normal but still make people sick, and consumers who cannot tell whether their cold smoked sprats came from Haifa Smoked Fish should contact their place of purchase or supplier and not eat them.
Related:
FDA Warns: Do Not Eat or Sell Haifa Cold Smoked Sprats; Company Declines Recall Amid Botulism Risk
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：鱼市场摊位上出售的各类鲜鱼（资料图，非涉事产品）。Ilka Franz摄，CC0，来源：Wikimedia Commons / Photo: Assorted fish on sale at a fish market (file photo; not the recalled product). Photo by Ilka Franz, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
