FDA designates a “Highest-Risk” Class I recall for 81 cases of Salted Smoked Split Herring sold in three East Coast states after tests reveal potential botulism contamination that could lead to paralysis or death if consumed.
Key Takeaways
- P. East Trading Corp. has recalled 81 cases of Salted Smoked Split Herring distributed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut due to potential botulism contamination
- The FDA classified this as a Class I recall – their most serious designation indicating risk of severe health consequences or death
- The affected product was sold in 18-pound wooden boxes with lot code 1PRC5073 and often repackaged by retailers before reaching consumers
- No illnesses have been reported yet, but botulism can cause paralysis, breathing difficulties, and can be fatal if untreated
- Consumers should immediately return the product to its place of purchase for a full refund
Deadly Bacteria Prompts Emergency Recall
P. East Trading Corp. Distributors of the Bronx, New York, has initiated an urgent voluntary recall of their Salted Smoked Split Herring after testing revealed the potential presence of Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for causing botulism. The recall specifically targets 81 cases of the product distributed throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has categorized this as a Class I recall, its most serious designation, reserved for situations where there is reasonable probability that exposure to the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
“P. East Trading Corp Distributors of Bronx, NY, is recalling its Salted Smoked Split Herring because the product, found to be over 5 inches in length and uneviscerated, has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause life-threatening illness or death,” said P. East Trading Corp Distributors.
Retail Distribution and Product Identification
The potentially contaminated fish was manufactured by Sea Star Seafood Ltd. of Canada and carries the code Lot 1PRC5073. It was distributed in 18-pound wooden boxes to numerous retail locations including Pioneer Supermarket, Joe’s Market #3, Key Food Supermarket, and many other stores throughout the tri-state area. Consumers should be especially vigilant as the product was commonly repackaged by retailers before sale, making it more difficult to identify at the consumer level.
“The product was likely to be repacked by these retail locations in deli-style or other retail packaging,” according to June 10 recall notice.
The contamination issue was first identified during a routine inspection conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspector. Subsequent analysis by the New York State Food Laboratory personnel confirmed the presence of improperly eviscerated fish, which presents a significant botulism risk. Fish over five inches in length that have not been properly eviscerated are particularly susceptible to botulinum contamination.
Serious Health Risks and Symptoms
Botulism is a rare but potentially fatal illness caused by a toxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. The toxin attacks the body’s nervous system and can cause paralysis that typically starts with facial muscles and spreads downward. If untreated, it can lead to respiratory failure and death. While no illnesses have been reported in connection with this specific recall as of June 10, the FDA takes the risk extremely seriously.
“In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. However, symptoms can begin as soon as 6 hours after or up to 10 days later,” said CDC.
Symptoms of botulism poisoning include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, a thick-feeling tongue, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming the recalled product should seek immediate medical attention. The FDA has ongoing import alerts against uneviscerated fish due to the serious nature of botulism risks.
Consumer Advisory and Company Response
P. East Trading Corp. has advised consumers not to consume the product under any circumstances and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. The company acknowledged that the fish “might not have been fully eviscerated,” which creates the conditions where botulinum toxin can develop. They have issued guidelines for consumers who may have already purchased the product.
“Please properly inspect/clean your food before preparation/consumption,” said P. East Trading Corp.
The FDA requires proper evisceration and processing of fish products in the United States to prevent botulism contamination. This incident highlights the importance of food safety regulations and inspection processes in protecting public health. Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Jay Hong at P. East Trading Corp. for additional information. This recall serves as another reminder of the critical need for continued vigilance in our food supply chain under President Trump’s administration.
