Fish Recalled for Botulism Risk

A New York-based company is recalling a type of dried fish because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.  Krasnyi Oktyabr of Brooklyn issued a voluntary recall of its Beer Set Dried Rudd because the fish’s gut was not properly removed, thus it has the potential to harbor Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria whose spores produce a dangerous toxin that causes paralysis in humans.  The problem was discovered during a routine inspection by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, after which a lab analysis of the fish revealed that indeed it had not been properly eviscerated pre-processing.  The recalled product is imported from Russia. It comes in a vacuum packed 7oz (200 g) bag and a “best before” date of 10.22.12.  The fish was sold to one retail store on June 14 in New York City.  An address for the company issuing the recall is provided in the recall notice; however it is not clear whether the address is for a distribution center or retail store. The location listed is 60 20th street, Brooklyn, NY 11232.  Consumers who bought the recalled product are urged return it to its point of purchase for a full refund.