North Fish USA Inc. has issued a recall for its cold smoked capelin, prompting a warning for consumers on the East Coast.
The recall, announced on the FDA’s website, involves 9-ounce packages of the imported fish. The FDA reported that the capelin exceeded 5 inches in length and was uneviscerated, raising concerns about potential contamination from Clostridium botulinum.
This bacterium can cause botulism, a serious foodborne illness that may result in dizziness, weakness, breathing difficulties, and constipation. The FDA recommends that anyone experiencing these symptoms seek immediate medical care.
Based in Florida, North Fish USA distributed the items to Georgia and New York, with plans for wider distribution along the East Coast.
The affected packages bear best-by dates of July 13, 2024, and January 5, 2025, along with a UPC code of 4811527003360. As of the latest update, there have been no reported illnesses linked to this recall.
Customers should return any recalled capelin to their place of purchase for a full refund. For further inquiries, North Fish USA can be reached on weekdays at (954) 251-2021.
This issue was initially discovered during a routine inspection by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Foods Inspectors. A photo of the recalled product is available on the FDA announcement for consumers to view.
Additionally, the FDA has noted other food recalls this month, including frozen desserts and guacamole, citing risks of listeria and undeclared allergens like wheat or nuts. Furthermore, the CDC is investigating a listeria outbreak associated with Boar’s Head deli meats, which has recently resulted in new illnesses and hospitalizations.