Salted Smoked Herring Recalled Over Risk of Life-Threatening Bacterial Contamination

Consumers in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are being urged to avoid eating and immediately return a recently recalled fish product due to a serious food safety risk. P. East Trading Corp., based in the Bronx, has issued a recall of its uneviscerated “Salted Smoked Split Herring” after it was found to pose a potential threat of Clostridium botulinum contamination, which can lead to botulism — a potentially fatal form of foodborne illness.

The recall affects product distributed in 18-pound wooden boxes labeled with the code Lot 1 PRC5073. Although the original packaging may not be visible to consumers, the product was sold in various repackaged forms by a wide range of supermarkets and markets across the three states, particularly in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Newark, Irvington, and Bridgeport. Health officials stress that uneviscerated fish over five inches long are more likely to harbor Clostridium botulinum spores, which can survive and grow in improperly processed fish.

Symptoms of botulism include dizziness, weakness, difficulty swallowing, double vision, and trouble breathing. Anyone who has consumed the recalled product and is experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical care. Although no illnesses have been reported at this time, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets confirmed through testing that the fish was not properly eviscerated before being processed.

The affected product originated from Sea Star Seafood Ltd. in Canada and was flagged after inspection and lab analysis by New York state authorities. Retailers that received and potentially sold the fish include Food Bazaar, Ideal Food Basket, Key Food, and other local markets. Consumers are advised to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund and to avoid consuming it under any circumstances, even if it appears normal.

For further questions or to report a concern, consumers can contact P. East Trading Corp. at (718) 991-6070 or email peastl@gmail.com.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from a press release issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and P. East Trading Corp.

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