Seng Ong Wholesale, Inc., St. Paul, MN is recalling dried mackerel and dried round scad after it was discovered by the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture Laboratory personnel who confirmed that the product was not properly eviscerated prior to processing due to the presence of gills.
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 products are recalled:
- Pacific Isles Hasa Hasa Dried Mackerel in 48 oz. cardboard cases with lot numbers 3298 and 0760 and js a product of the Philippines. This product was sold in Minnesota.
- Pacific Isles Galunggong Dried Round Scad in 48 oz. cardboard cases with lot numbers 3228 and 3168 and is a product of the Philippines. This product was sold in Minnesota and South Dakota.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Conswners who have the above products are advised not to eat it, but should return it to the place of purchase. Conswner with questions may contact the company at 612-802-3240.
Source: FDA
