FDA warned against the sprats. Four days later, the company recalled every lot

The warning became a recall

D&M Smoked Fish Inc., doing business as Haifa Smoked Fish, initiated a recall of every lot of its cold-smoked sprats on Oct. 27, four days after the FDA first warned buyers not to eat or serve them. The agency said the fish was produced without required controls to prevent Clostridium botulinum growth and toxin formation. On Oct. 23, FDA said the firm had declined its recall recommendation; Food Safety News reported that refusal the same day. fda +1 Its Oct. 27 update records the reversal. fda

The company’s announcement, posted by FDA, puts the affected amount at about 560 pounds and says no illnesses had been reported as of the recall. That is not a safety assurance: contaminated fish may show no obvious signs. fda +1

Which fish is affected

FDA describes unbranded Cold Smoked Sprats packed loose in bulk cardboard boxes and shipped refrigerated; all lots are included. Confirmed distribution reached retailers, restaurants, wholesalers and food-service customers in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with possible distribution farther afield. Some customers may have bought the fish from seafood counters without a label or eaten it at a restaurant. fda +1

If you cannot confirm that cold-smoked sprats came from Haifa, do not eat them; ask the store or supplier, or discard them. FDA tells retailers and food-service customers not to sell or serve the fish and advises cleaning and sanitizing surfaces or containers it touched. NJ.com says consumers may return it to the place of purchase for a refund. fda +1

Why appearance isn’t enough

The fish may look or smell normal even if contaminated, FDA warns. CDC says botulinum toxin cannot be seen, smelled or tasted; even a small taste may be deadly. Do not sample it. Clean and sanitize surfaces or containers it touched. fda +1

Foodborne botulism is rare but serious: its toxin attacks nerves and can cause paralysis, breathing difficulty or death. Store-bought food can be contaminated, though uncommon, CDC says. FDA identified missing production controls; no illnesses had been reported by the recall notice. fda +1

Symptoms call for urgent care

Signs include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness and trouble breathing. People may not have every symptom at once. CDC says seek medical help immediately; botulism is an emergency. fda +1

USA Today also reports distribution may extend beyond the three confirmed states. If the source is unclear, ask the seller or supplier before serving the fish. heraldtribune +1