Uneviscerated fish recalled

The US FDA has issued a food alert press release S&M (USA) Enterprise Corp at 4703 2nd Ave Brooklyn NY 11232 (Mailing address: 136 Bowery, #417 New York, NY 10013) is recalling White Herring because the product was found to be uneviscerated.

The press release states that:

"The recalled White Herring was distributed in New York State in uncoded, 16 oz. clear plastic bags. The White Herring is a product of China.

The White Herring was sampled by a New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspector during a routine inspection. Subsequent analysis of the product by New York State Food Laboratory personnel confirmed that the White Herring was not properly eviscerated prior to processing.

The sale of uneviscerated fish is prohibited under New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish have been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.

This product may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause Botulism, a serious and potentially fatal food–borne illness. Symptoms of botulism include blurred or double vision, general weakness, poor reflexes, difficulty in swallowing and respiratory paralysis.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Consumers that have purchased White Herring are advised not to eat it and should return it to the place of purchase."