Fish imported from Germany was not properly eviscerated prior to processing, causing potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum spores that can cause deadly botulism.
Food inspectors from New York’s State Department of Agriculture and Markets discovered the problem during a routine inspection and analysis of Brooklyn’s S&S Food Inc.
With the finding, S&S, located at 1560 Troy Avenue, recalled its Dried Fish Vobla Gutted product.
Botulism is a serious and potentially fatal foodborne illness. Symptoms of botulism include blurred vision, general weakness and poor reflexes, difficulty in swallowing and respiratory paralysis.
The sale of un-eviscerated fish is prohibited under New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish.
Un-eviscerated fish has been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.
The recalled dried fish Vobla gutted comes in a coded, plastic vacuum-packed bag with the following code: Production date: 21.06.2010, lot # 280610140 and is identified as a product of Germany.
It was sold throughout the United States.
No illnesses are yet associated with the recall.
Consumers who have the product are advised not to eat it and should return it to the place of purchase.
Consumer with questions may contact the company at 718-677-6888.