On February 12, 2008, Summit Import Corporation recalled all of its Sum Cheong Lung brand Dried Fish products. The New York Department of Agriculture discovered the fish was not eviscerated. When a fish is eviscerated, its intestines and entrails are removed. If this process is not completed prior to processing, the fish could be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores. These spores can cause an illness called botulism, which can be life-threatening.

The sale of the recalled uneviscerated fish is illegal in New York due to the likelihood of infection. Outbreaks of botulism were connected to uneviscerated fish in the past and symptoms include affected vision, weakness, difficulty swallowing, poor reflexes, and total respiratory failure. The recalled Sum Cheong Lung brand Dried Fish products were sold in 12 oz baggies without coding.

Although no illnesses have been reported to date, consumers who have the product are cautioned not to eat it, and return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Summit Import Corporation can be contacted at 1-201-839-2882.

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ?Summit Import Corporation Issue an Alert on Uneviscerated Fish,? February 26, 2008.