07/19/2010 // West Palm Beach, FL, USA // Tara Monks // Tara Monks
New York, NY – The US Food and Drug Administration, in coordination with D & M Smoked Fish, Inc., announced a recall of Haifa brand vacuum packaged Schmaltz Herring with the lot number 168 because the product was found to be uneviscerated, or not gutted. The recall was announced Thursday, July 15, 2010 via press release.
The recalled lot is a product of Norway. The packages are individually vacuum-packed in clear plastic pouches with lot #168 and Sell by date of 7/20/10. The number and date are located on the label. The products were distributed to food retailers throughout the New York state area.
The Schmaltz Herring was sampled by a New York State Agriculture and Markets Food Inspector during a routine inspection. An analysis of the product by New York State Food Laboratory personnel confirmed that schmaltz Herring was improperly eviscerated prior to processing.
New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations prohibit the sale of uneviscerated fish because Clostridium Botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish have previously been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.
Botulism is dangerous and potentially lethal. Symptoms may include general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
Consumers are advised not to consume the product and to return it to the place of purchase. Questions may be directed to the company at (718) 523-8899.
Media Information:
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Url: http://TaraMonks.visionsmartnews.com/food-safety-alert-d-m-smoked-fish_1443.html