Hallandale, Florida, U.S.A.-based North Fish USA is recalling imported 9-ounce packages of its Cold Smoked Capelin product because they could be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.
The affected packages were over 5 inches in length and uneviscerated, so they would have the potential to be contaminated with botulinum, the company said in a release.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the recall, the company said. The potential for contamination was noted by Patriot Foods after routine inspection by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Foods Inspectors, as well as subsequent analysis by food laboratory staff.
Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that leads to botulism food poisoning, which can cause life-threatening illness or death.
“Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled,” the company said.
The recalled product was distributed in the U.S. states of New York and Georgia, to be distributed further to retail stores on the U.S. East Coast. The capelin was packaged in a 9-ounce plastic package marked with UPC code 4811527003360 and with a best before date “07.13.2024” and “01.05.2025” stamped on the back of the package.
Consumers who have purchased the fish are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.