The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has announced a recall of roughly 560 pounds of cold-smoked sprats distributed to retail stores in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The product was recalled because of possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause a life-threatening illness. Shoppers who bought the fish are being asked to return it for a full refund.
Why the Recall Was Issued
The recall was announced for Haifa Smoked Fish of Queens, New York. According to the FDA, the company is recalling about 560 pounds of Cold Smoked Sprats because they may contain Clostridium botulinum. The agency said the concern was identified during an inspection of D&M Smoked Fish Inc., of Jamaica, New York, where investigators found that cold-smoked sprats were being produced without the food safety controls required to prevent the bacterium from growing and forming toxin.
Understanding the Health Risk
Botulism is a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. Officials list symptoms that include general weakness, dizziness, double vision and difficulty speaking or swallowing. Anyone who has eaten the product and develops these symptoms should seek medical care promptly rather than waiting for the illness to pass.
What Shoppers Should Do Now
- Check whether any cold-smoked sprats in your refrigerator or freezer match the recalled product.
- Do not eat the fish. Return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
- Questions about the recall can be directed to the company at 718-523-8899.
The recall concerns only the product described by the FDA and the states where it was sold. Consumers who are unsure whether their purchase is affected should contact the store or the company before eating it.