Fish Recall Sparks Warning to Customers on the East Coast

A recall from North Fish USA Inc. involving packages of cold smoked capelin has sparked a warning to customers on the East Coast.

In an announcement on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA, website on Thursday, 9-ounce imported packages of the cold smoked capelin have been recalled. According to the agency, “the product was found to be over 5 [inches] in length and uneviscerated, as such having potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.”

The bacterium could lead to “life-threatening illness or death,” the FDA said. Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can initially trigger dizziness, weakness, difficulty breathing and constipation, the announcement says. The agency advises people experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention.

North Fish USA Inc., based in Florida, distributed the capelin to Georgia and New York with the intent to further distribute throughout the East Coast, the announcement says.

Newsweek has reached out to North Fish USA Inc. via email Thursday night for comment.

The best-by dates listed on the recalled packages are July 13, 2024, and January 5, 2025, with a UPC code of 4811527003360, the FDA says. There have been no known reported illness related to this recall as of Thursday afternoon, the announcement adds.

Customers are asked to return the cold smoked capelin to the original place of purchase for a full refund. They can also contact North Fish USA Inc. on weekdays at (954) 251-2021.

The issue involving the capelin was first noticed by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Foods Inspectors in a routine inspection, the announcement notes. A photo of the recalled product is also posted on the announcement for potentially affected customers to view.

According to the FDA website, other food products recalled this month include a frozen dessert, guacamole and a chocolate bar, among others.

The reasons for these recalls range from potential listeria contamination to undeclared allergens such as wheat or nuts, according to the FDA. In July, cinnamon products were also recalled by numerous brands over potential metal contamination fears.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also investigating a fatal listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meat slices. In an update on Thursday, the CDC noted there have been nine new illnesses, 10 new hospitalizations and one new fatality linked to this outbreak.