Editor’s note on update: A list of specific retail locations that received the recalled product is now available on the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service website. Click here for the list  which may be updated as additional information becomes available. Almost 26,000 pounds of Sea Queen brand Swai fillets from Vietnam are being recalled because they were distributed in the U.S. without having met federal inspection requirements for residues. Importer U.S. Cado Holdings Inc. of Santa Anna, CA, is cooperating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) on the recall, which was announced Monday.

recalled swai fish fillets
These are the packages and labels of recalled Sea Queen brand imported swai fish fillets. (Photo courtesy of FSIS)
This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death, according to the recall notice. “The problem was discovered when the customer and import establishment notified FSIS personnel of Swai products entering U.S. commerce without meeting FSIS regulatory requirements for imported Siluriformes,” according to the recall notice. “The products were imported from Vietnam and failed to comply with FSIS requirements concerning residue sampling and testing prior to entry into United States commerce. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.” The recall notice does not include complete distribution details, but does state the recalled fish was sent to Aldi distribution centers in Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. It was not disclosed what stores those centers serve. Dates of distribution also were not provided. Consumers can identify the recalled skinless and boneless Sea Queen brand “Swai Fillet” products, which were produced and packed on March 30 in Vietnam by Golden Quality Seafood Corp., by the following packaging information:

  • Two-pound packages containing individually wrapped pieces of fish;
  • Plant number FN1158;
  • Lot number SW1601-02-16090; and
  • Best-by date of March 30, 2018.

“Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase,” according to the recall. “Consumers and Media with questions about the recall can contact Paul Nguyen, U.S. Cado Holdings Inc. manager, at 714-973-2272.” (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)