Herring recalled because of risk of botulism poisoning

Prime Food Processing LLC is recalling 69 cases of “Dried Herring Fish” because the product was not adequately eviscerated. 

The sale of uneviscerated fish is prohibited under New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish.

Recalled product

• Item #AF4110 – Dried Herring Fish- Lot Code: 26020. Expiration: 06.12.28

Packaging:

• Clear, plastic packaging 7 oz. (198 g) with Blue Trim

Distribution

• The recalled product was distributed to Asian grocery stores in the following states: AZ, CA, FL, HI, IL, KS, LA, MD, MO, NC, NH, NV, NY, OK, PA, TX, UT

The problem was identified during routine testing conducted by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets. The recall was initiated after the product was selected and sent for regulatory testing. A subsequent investigation determined that the problem originated from an imported product manufactured in Vietnam. At this time, no illnesses or adverse reactions associated with the affected product have been reported.

About botulism
While a variety of illnesses can result from eating under-processed food, one of the most dangerous is botulism poisoning. Untreated, botulism can paralyze the muscles needed for breathing, resulting in sudden death.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product and developed signs of botulism poisoning should immediately seek medical attention. 

In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. However, symptoms can begin as soon as 6 hours after or up to 10 days later.

The symptoms of botulism may include some of all of the following: double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, difficulty

breathing, a thick-feeling tongue, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. People with botulism poisoning may not show all of these symptoms at once.

If untreated, the disease may progress, and symptoms may worsen to cause paralysis of specific muscles, including those used in breathing and those in the arms, legs, and the body from the neck to the pelvis area.

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