Haifa Smoked Fish is recalling about 560 pounds of cold-smoked sprats because of potential Clostridium botulinum contamination, according to a company announcement posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Oct. 27.
The FDA page describes the notice as a company announcement and says the agency posts such notices as a public service without endorsing the company or product. The announcement identifies D&M Smoked Fish Inc. as doing business as Haifa Smoked Fish Inc.; it associates Haifa with Queens and D&M with Jamaica, New York, where an FDA inspection was conducted. The inspection found the firm lacked food-safety measures needed to keep the bacterium from multiplying and producing toxin in the sprats, the announcement said.
The fish was sold through retail stores in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. It was shipped refrigerated in bulk cardboard boxes labeled “Cold Smoked Sprats,” and every lot is included in the recall.
The company announcement reported no illnesses as of Oct. 27. It warns consumers not to eat the fish even if it looks and smells normal, and urges purchasers to return it to the store for a full refund.
Botulism can cause weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble speaking or swallowing, according to the notice. People experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek medical care immediately. Haifa lists 718-523-8899 for product questions; the company says the line is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
