A Brooklyn, NY, company is recalling Norven branded herring in oil because a sample tested by U.S. officials showed Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Two sizes of plastic containers from a single lot are included in the recall by OLMA-XXI Inc. of Brooklyn. The company reports shipping the recalled fish to distributors and retailers in 10 states. Distributors in those states could have sent the fish to additional states. The recalled Norven brand herring in oil can be identified by the following label information:
- Net Wt. 17.6 oz. (500g), UPC barcode 856687004196; Lot # 530611, Best before: 10/27/16 (stamped on bottom label)
- Net Wt. 10.6 oz. (300g), UPC barcode 856687004189; Lot # 530611, Best before: 10/27/16 (stamped on bottom label)
States that received the herring directly from OLMA-XXI Inc., according to the recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration website, are: California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland and Virginia. Listeria monocytogenes is a microscopic organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children and the frail, elderly and people with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. No illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled herring as of Friday when FDA posted the notice. “FDA’s sampling program revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the 17.6-ounce packages of Lot # 530611. The distribution of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem,” according to the recall notice. Consumers who have purchased plastic containers of Norven herring in oil, Lot 530611, are urged not to consume this product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-675-0706, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT. (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)
