Class I U.S. Food and Drug Administration

African Food on Wheels Oven Dried Fish recall: Potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum

Recall published 12 months ago

Potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum

The hazard: Botulism risk

The concern here is Clostridium botulinum. Under-processed shelf-stable food can allow the toxin to form inside a sealed, normal-looking container.

What the notice says: African Food on Wheels Inc. of Bronx, NY is recalling 28 boxes of Product, because it is a dried, un-eviscerated (internal organs not removed) fish greater than 5 inches and length and has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death.

Why it matters: This product may not have been processed in a way that reliably destroys Clostridium botulinum spores. The toxin they can produce in a sealed container is one of the most dangerous substances in food safety, and it is tasteless and odourless.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

Botulism is a medical emergency. The CDC lists double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, a dry mouth, and muscle weakness that starts in the face and moves down the body. In an infant, watch for poor feeding, a weak cry, drooping eyelids and unusual floppiness. Call 911 or go to an emergency department immediately if any of these appear after eating a recalled product — treatment works best when it is given early.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you feel unwell, a clinician who can see you is the only person able to judge your case.

Recall details

Recall number
H-0237-2026
Published
November 5, 2025
Risk level
Class I
Status
Ongoing
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
African Food on Wheels
Product type
Seafood
Units affected
20 Boxes
Distribution
New York
Lot / code info
No codes
Reports of harm
No illnesses have been reported to date.

Products covered by this recall

Oven Dried Fish (Scomberomorus cavalla)

What the company announced

African Food on Wheels Inc. of Bronx, NY is recalling 28 boxes of Product, because it is a dried, un-eviscerated (internal organs not removed) fish greater than 5 inches and length and has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium 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.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

Oven Dried Fish (SCOMBEROMORUS CAVALLA) was distributed to walk-in customers of African Food on Wheels Inc. located at 1376 Randall Avenue, Bronx, NY 10474 only.

Products are packed in a corrugated brown box.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after FDA inspection and analysis revealed the product was not properly eviscerated.

Information on what consumers should do with the product and where they can get additional information; consumers are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company on [email protected] or 646-632-2911 Mon-Fri 11am-5pm EST.

Reproduced from the company announcement posted on fda.gov. Links and contact forms in the original are not repeated here; the official notice below has them.

What to do about Botulism

African Food on Wheels — The concern here is Clostridium botulinum. Under-processed shelf-stable food can allow the toxin to form inside a sealed, normal-looking container.

  1. Do not taste it. Not even a small amount, and not to check whether it has turned.
  2. If anyone has eaten it and has blurred vision, trouble swallowing or weakness, call 911 — this does not wait for an appointment.
  3. Do not open the container. If it is already open, do not sniff it — double-bag it and keep it away from children and pets.
  4. Throw it away so nobody else can retrieve it, or follow the disposal wording in the official notice if it specifies a method.

Getting a refund without the pack

The commonest reason people skip the refund is that they have already thrown the item away. That rarely matters.

  • A photo of the label and lot code is accepted by most grocers, and so is a card statement line showing the purchase.
  • Store credit is often offered first. You can ask for the original payment method instead, and it is normally granted.
  • No photo either? Ask anyway. Grocery chains settle recall refunds at the service desk because disputing them costs more than paying them.
  • For a multi-pack or a case, ask for the full purchase price rather than a per-unit figure — the recall covers what you paid.

Remedy named in the notice: Information on what consumers should do with the product and where they can get additional information; consumers are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact: African Food on Wheels Inc. — Consumers: (646) 632-2911, [email protected]

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Company recall announcements record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was African Food on Wheels seafood recalled?

Potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum African Food on Wheels Inc. of Bronx, NY is recalling 28 boxes of Product, because it is a dried, un-eviscerated (internal organs not removed) fish greater than 5 inches and length and has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official FDA — Company recall announcements record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

Do not taste it. Not even a small amount, and not to check whether it has turned.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Information on what consumers should do with the product and where they can get additional information; consumers are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Which states were affected?

The notice lists New York.

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