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Herring, Sprats Recalled in New York City

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

A fish company in Queens, New York, is recalling herring and smoked sprats because the products were found to be uneviscerated.
D&M Smoked Fish, Inc. announced the recall of Haifa brand Schmaltz Herring and Cold Smoked Sprats after routine sampling by a New York State Agriculture and Markets food inspector and analysis by New York State Food Laboratory personnel confirmed the fish were not properly eviscerated prior to processing. The sale of uneviscerated fish is prohibited under New York state regulations because Clostridium Botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish has been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.
No illnesses have been reported to date. The lot # 51 for the Schmaltz Herring being recalled is packed in white plastic pales with salt brine and was distributed through R&M Supermarket, Royal Seafood, and  Ester Deli in the New York area on or after Feb. 27. The lot  # 54 for Cold Smoked Sprats being recalled is packed in bulk cases and was distributed through the Gold Label, Gourmet Boutique and Ester Deli retailers in Brooklyn on or after Feb. 28.
Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled and should return it to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-523-8899.
Botulism is a serious and potentially fatal form of food poisoning, causes the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing.   

Full post as published by Food Safety News on March 16, 2011 (boomark / email).