Photo: FDA, public domain.
Haifa Smoked Fish of Queens is recalling approximately 560 pounds of cold-smoked sprats because of possible contamination with the bacteria that cause botulism, according to an October 27 company recall announcement posted by the Food and Drug Administration.
All lots are included. The announcement says no illnesses have been reported to date and warns consumers not to use the fish even if it does not look or smell spoiled.
The recall covers cold-smoked sprats packed loose in bulk cardboard boxes labeled “Cold Smoked Sprats” and shipped refrigerated. The company announcement lists distribution through retail stores in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
A separate FDA advisory describes a broader distribution footprint, including Connecticut, and says retailers, restaurants, wholesalers and food-service customers received the fish. The agency warns that further distribution may have reached other states.
What consumers and food businesses should do
The company urges people who bought the recalled sprats to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can call 718-523-8899.
The FDA says the fish may have been sold at grocery seafood counters or restaurants with or without a label. Anyone unsure whether their cold-smoked sprats came from Haifa should not eat them and should contact the seller or discard them, according to the agency.
Retailers, restaurants, wholesalers and food-service operators should not sell or serve the affected fish. The FDA also advises carefully cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and containers that touched it. Freezing does not make the alert irrelevant: the advisory notes that the product may be kept frozen for up to a year.
Botulism symptoms require immediate care
The FDA describes botulism as a medical emergency. Warning signs can include weakness, blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and trouble breathing. People experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
The concern is potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum. The FDA says food containing its toxin can look, taste or smell normal. Appearance is therefore not a reliable way to decide whether these sprats are safe.
The agency says its inspection of D&M Smoked Fish Inc., doing business as Haifa Smoked Fish in Jamaica, Queens, found production without required controls to prevent bacterial growth and toxin formation.
The agency’s earlier advisory is dated October 23 and says the company had declined its recall recommendation at that time. The October 27 announcement is the subsequent recall.
JBizNews Desk | New York
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