Fish recall hits East Coast amid fears of botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning

[ad_1]

North Fish USA Inc. has begun recalling one of its smoked fish products over fears it may contain Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism. Here’s what to do if you have fish and what to know about Botulism.

What is remembered?

North Fish USA is recalling one product out of concern that it may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. The recalled product is a 9-ounce package of “Cold Smoked Capelin.”

According to the recall notice posted on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, the product comes in a plastic package and has the UPC code 4811527003360. The affected products have a best before date of 07.13.2024 and 01.05.2025 stamped on the back of the package.

A photo of the product can be seen in the FDA recall notice here.

The problem with the returned product is that the fish are more than five centimeters long and cannot be seen. As the recall notice states, “Sales of ungutted fish over 5″ in length may contain Clostridium botulinum spores as they tend to concentrate in the viscera than in any other part of the fish.”

What is Botulism?

Botulism is a serious illness, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Botulism is caused by toxins found in Clostridium botulinum and related bacteria. Botulism attacks nerves in the body, which can cause muscle paralysis and difficulty breathing. It can be dangerous.

The CDC says the following are common symptoms of Botulism:

Difficulty swallowing
Muscle weakness
Seeing twice
Eyelids
Blurred vision
Unclear speech
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty moving the eyes

In addition, food-borne botulism may cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea. In infants, symptoms may include droopy eyelids, weak crying, poor feeding, and more.

The FDA says anyone with symptoms of botulism should seek immediate medical attention.

Has anyone ever gotten sick from memory loss?

Thankfully, there have been no known reports of illness or death related to the recall so far.

Where were the returned products distributed?

According to a notice posted on the FDA’s website, the recalled products were distributed in the states of New York and Georgia. From there, they are shipped to stores on the East Coast.