Otten’s Seafood Inc. of Tinley Park, IL, is recalling 46,800 pounds of catfish because the products were produced, packed, and distributed without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers because of its long shelf life. 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.

The fresh and individually quick frozen (IQF) frozen catfish was produced from Jan. 25 through May 21. The following products are subject to recall:

  • 30-lb. plastic bags and cardboard boxes containing “IQF Frozen Catfish Steaks Net Weight 30.00 LB” and have a shelf-life of one year.
  • 30-lb. plastic bags and cardboard boxes containing “40 + Oz Fresh Catfish Whole Net Weight 30.00 LB” and have a shelf-life of one week if not frozen.

These items were shipped to wholesale and retail locations in Illinois and Indiana.

The problem was discovered during routine FSIS surveillance activities when it was determined that the catfish products did not have the USDA mark of inspection and were produced in an establishment that was not inspected by USDA.

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.

When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Magnus Ottenborn, owner of Otten’s Seafood Inc., at 312-833-4585.

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