Dried Fish Recalled for Possible Botulism Contamination

S&S Food Import Corp. is recalling all packages of Uneviscerated Dried Roach (Vobla or Caspian Roach) with the following package code “Best Before 06.05.2015.” The product was distributed nationwide in 5-kg. boxes.

The Uneviscerated Dried Roach (Vobla) was sampled by inspectors from the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets during a routine sanitary inspection. Subsequent analysis of the product by New York State food laboratory personnel confirmed that the fish had not been properly eviscerated prior to processing.  This product may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores which can cause botulism, a serious and potentially fatal foodborne illness.  Consumers who have purchased Uneviscerated Dried Roach (Vobla) are advised not to eat it and should return the product to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-677-6888.  The sale of uneviscerated processed fish is prohibited under New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets regulations because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish have been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.  Symptoms of botulism poisoning include blurred or double vision, general weakness, poor reflexes, difficulty swallowing and respiratory paralysis.  No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product.