Smoked Fish Recalled in 3 States Over Bacterial Infection Risk

Haifa Smoked Fish Inc. is recalling about 560 pounds of smoked fish from three states because it may be contaminated with a bacterium that can cause fatal illness.

The recall applies to cold-smoked sprats distributed through retail outlets in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, the New York-based company said in an Oct. 27 announcement released by the Food and Drug Administration.

“Recalled product may have a long shelf life when frozen. If you can’t tell if your sprats are from Haifa Smoked Fish, Inc., do not eat them and throw them away,” the agency said.

The FDA inspected a company facility in New York and found that the company produced cold-smoked sprats without following required food-safety controls to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum bacteria and the formation of toxins, the recall statement said.

Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, a serious type of food poisoning that can prove fatal and includes symptoms such as feeling dizzy, experiencing double vision, and having difficulty talking or swallowing, according to the statement.

“Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention,” it adds.

Haifa Smoked Fish clarified that no illnesses linked to the recalled products have been reported to date.

The company urged people who have bought the recalled items to return them to the place of purchase for a refund. It warned buyers not to eat the products, even if they do not look or smell spoiled. Customers with questions can contact Haifa at 718-523-8899.

In a separate FDA alert on Oct. 23, the agency said it recommended that the company recall all cold-smoked sprats from the market after an inspection at the New York site.

However, the company declined to recall the products at the time, the FDA said. The agency warned consumers about the potential risk of botulism from consuming the affected items.

The Epoch Times reached out to Haifa Smoked Fish for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum and related bacteria attacks the nerves of the body and can cause muscle paralysis or even death.

Among infants, symptoms of botulism include drooping eyelids, poor feeding, constipation, weak cries that sound different than typical, pupils reacting to light slowly, and the face showing less expression than usual, the CDC said.

“Botulism is a medical emergency. If you or your child has signs and symptoms of botulism, immediately see your doctor or go to the emergency room. Do not wait,” the agency advised.

In a Sept. 22 post, the FDA detailed two botulism outbreaks it had investigated. The first involved infant formula manufactured by ByHeart, with the outbreak infecting 48 infants in 17 states.

An FDA inspection at ByHeart’s manufacturing facilities identified Clostridium botulinum in a powdered milk ingredient. The CDC declared the outbreak over in February.

The second outbreak involved infant formula manufactured by Nara Organics and led to four confirmed infant infections. The agency said some of the company’s suppliers also supplied ByHeart. As of August, the CDC declared the outbreak to be over.

FDA said it was engaged in the “continued investigation into the root cause of the contamination that led to these outbreaks, including assessment of the supply chain and dairy-based ingredients.”