FDA issues highest-risk warning as potentially deadly botulism-contaminated fish sold in multiple states threatens consumers with paralysis and possible death if consumed.
Key Takeaways
- P. East Trading Corp. has recalled 81 cases of Salted Smoked Split Herring due to potential Clostridium botulinum contamination, which can cause fatal botulism poisoning.
- The FDA classified this as a Class I recall—their highest risk designation—for products distributed across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
- The affected fish may not have been properly eviscerated, creating ideal conditions for deadly botulinum toxin production.
- Symptoms of botulism include muscle paralysis, double vision, difficulty swallowing and breathing, which can appear between 6 hours and 10 days after consumption.
- Consumers are urged to return the affected product (code Lot 1PRC5073) for a full refund and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop after consumption.
Another Foreign Food Safety Failure Threatens American Consumers
In a troubling development highlighting ongoing concerns with imported food safety, P. East Trading Corp Distributors of Bronx, NY has issued an urgent recall for 81 cases of Salted Smoked Split Herring. The Canadian-manufactured product, found to be improperly processed, poses a severe health risk to consumers in three states. The recall was initiated after routine inspection by New York State food safety officials discovered the potentially contaminated fish in the marketplace. This discovery raises questions about the effectiveness of our food safety inspection system for imported products, especially considering these contaminated goods made it through initial border screenings.
“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.
Deadly Bacteria Lurking in Improperly Processed Fish
The FDA has classified this as a Class I recall, their most serious designation, indicating potential for severe health consequences or death. The primary concern centers on fish that “might not have been fully eviscerated” according to the company. Proper evisceration (removal of internal organs) is critical in fish processing, as Clostridium botulinum bacteria thrive in the oxygen-free environment of fish intestines. When these bacteria grow, they produce a neurotoxin that causes botulism—a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. This case highlights yet another example of foreign manufacturers failing to meet basic American food safety standards.
“might not have been fully eviscerated,” said P. East Trading Corp.
Widespread Distribution Complicates Consumer Alert
The contaminated fish, manufactured by Sea Star Seafood Ltd. of Canada with code Lot 1PRC5073, was distributed to numerous retail locations across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Adding to the complexity of this recall, the product was typically sold in 18-pound wooden boxes and often repackaged by retailers into smaller deli-style packages, making it difficult for consumers to identify. Stores known to have received the product include Pioneer Supermarket, Joe’s Market #3, Key Food Supermarket, and many others. Taxpayers will now foot the bill for extensive testing, healthcare, and recall management because foreign manufacturers failed to adhere to our safety standards.
“The product was likely to be repacked by these retail locations in deli-style or other retail packaging,” according to June 10 recall notice.
Deadly Consequences of Botulism Contamination
Botulism poisoning presents with frightening and potentially fatal symptoms. The CDC warns that symptoms generally appear 18 to 36 hours after consumption but can manifest as early as 6 hours or as late as 10 days after eating contaminated food. Initial symptoms include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, and slurred speech. As the disease progresses, victims may experience difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, and eventually muscle paralysis that can lead to death if untreated. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming smoked herring should seek immediate medical attention.
“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.
Consumer Protection Measures and Ongoing Concerns
While no illnesses have been reported as of June 10, consumers who purchased Salted Smoked Split Herring are strongly advised not to consume it. The company has issued guidance to “properly inspect/clean your food before preparation/consumption,” but the better course of action is to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall is part of a troubling pattern, as the FDA maintains ongoing import alerts against uneviscerated fish due to botulism risks. The incident raises serious questions about why our government continues to allow food imports from manufacturers that cannot consistently meet basic American safety standards.
“Please properly inspect/clean your food before preparation/consumption,” said P. East Trading Corp.
