Import Foods Wholesale Inc. in St. Paul, MN is recalling: Smoked Croaker, Smoked Barracuda, Smoked Big Eye, and Smoked Red Snapper after it was discovered by the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture Laboratory personnel who confirmed that the product was not properly eviscerated prior to processing.
This product may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause botulism, a serious and potentially fatal food–borne illness.
The sale of improperly eviscerated fish, 5 inches in length or greater, is prohibited 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 which may pose a potentially life-threatening health hazard. Symptoms of botulism include blurred or double vision, general weakness, poor reflexes, difficulty swallowing and respiratory paralysis which may lead to death. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.
The following recalled products were sold to retail stores in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa.
- Smoked Croaker comes in a 10lb cardboard box with a code: 298/11 and is a product of Guyana
- Smoked Barracuda comes in a 10lb cardboard box with a code: 0282/011 and is a product of Guyana.
- Smoked Big Eye comes in a 10lb cardboard box with a code: 287L10 and is product of Guyana.
- Smoked Red Snapper comes in a 10lb cardboard box with a code: 298-11 is a product of Guyana.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Consumers who have Smoked Croaker, Smoked Barracuda, Smoked Big Eye, and Smoked Red Snapper are advised not to eat it, but should return it to the place of purchase.
Import Foods Wholesale Inc. intend to provide safe quality foods. Consumer with questions may contact the company at 612-876-5412.
Source: FDA
