P. East Trading Corp, located in the Bronx, New York, has issued a recall for Salted Smoked Split Herring over possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium can lead to botulism, a serious and potentially deadly type of food poisoning.
The recall followed testing by the New York State Department of Agriculture, which found that some fish were not fully processed. Fish larger than 5 inches that haven’t been adequately eviscerated may contain harmful spores concentrated in their guts.
This particular product was sent to stores in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Consumer awareness is crucial, especially since some retailers may have repacked the fish, making identification harder.
Here are key details about the product:
- Manufacturer: Sea Star Seafood Ltd.
- Product: Salted Smoked Split Herring
- Size: 18 lbs
- Packaging: Wooden boxes
- Container Code: Lot 1 PRC5073
Major retailers that might have sold the impacted herring include PIONNER SUPERMARKET in Newark, NJ, and KEYFOOD SUPERMARKET in Laurelton, NY. If you shop in these areas, it’s important to check your products.
For your safety, stop using this product, even if it looks and smells fine. If you have this herring, it’s best to return it for a full refund or dispose of it. Make sure to clean any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with it.
There have been no reported cases of illness linked to this recall. However, symptoms of botulism can appear as early as two hours or as late as eight days later. They can include nausea, fatigue, blurred vision, and muscle weakness. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical help right away.
Botulism, although rare, is tied to improper food handling. Foods that are improperly canned or preserved are often to blame. Health experts stress the importance of following proper canning procedures and being cautious with homemade preserved goods.
For those curious about food safety, the CDC provides a wealth of resources on botulism and safe food practices. You can find more about this at their official [CDC website](https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/about/index.html).
For questions about the recall, consumers can reach P. East Trading Corp at 718-991-6070 or email them at support@peasttrading.com.