Schmaltz Herring Pulled for Botulism Risk
July 19th, 2010 ksager
D & M Smoked Fish, Inc. located in Queens, New York, is recalling Haifa brand vacuum packaged Schmaltz Herring with lot number 168, because the product is uneviscerated, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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. Uneviscerated fish has been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.
The affected lot is a product of Norway, individually vacuum-packed in clear plastic pouches with lot # 168 & Sell by date of 7/20/10 indicated on the label and distributed through food retailers in the NY area.
The Schmaltz Herring was sampled by a New York State Agriculture and Markets Food Inspector during a routine inspection. Analysis by New York State Food Laboratory personnel confirmed that Schmaltz Herring was improperly eviscerated prior to processing.
Botulism is a serious and potentially fatal form of food poisoning, which causes symptoms such as general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble speaking or swallowing.
Although no illnesses have been reported, consumers should not use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled, but instead, return it to place of purchase. Those with questions can contact the company at 718-523-8899.
