Class I U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring recall: Potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum

Recall published 6 months ago

Potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.

Ma Cohen’s Other food products — recalled other food products
Photo published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the recall notice.

The hazard: Botulism risk

Botulinum toxin is what this recall guards against. It gives no warning in taste or smell, and a swollen or leaking container is a sign but not a reliable one.

What the notice says: Shining Sea Fish Co. of Detroit MI, is recalling its catch weight packages of "Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring" smoked fish because this product consists of, uneviscerated fish longer than five inches, which 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-0810-2026
Published
May 5, 2026
Risk level
Class I
Status
Terminated
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Ma Cohen’s
Product type
Other food products
Units affected
675 pounds
Distribution
Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota
Lot / code info
LOT 25079 Expiration May 03 2026, LOT 25055 Expiration May 12 2026, LOT 25028 Expiration June 03 2026, LOT 26344 Expiration July 22 2026
Reports of harm
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Products covered by this recall

Kippered Herring

What the company announced

Shining Sea Fish Co. of Detroit MI, is recalling its catch weight packages of "Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring" smoked fish because this product consists of, uneviscerated fish longer than five inches, which 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.

The recalled "Ma Cohens Kippered Herring" were distributed in retail grocery stores throughout MI, MN, and ND.

The product is packaged in a clear plastic package, and a foil label with the product name and information and LOT #’s on the back of the package. The expiration dates are printed on the back of the package or listed on store added stickers along with the catch weight.

LOT 25079 Expiration May 03 2026, LOT 25055 Expiration May 12 2026, LOT 25028 Expiration June 03 2026, LOT 26344 Expiration July 22 2026

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing done by Minnesota Department of Agriculture found that the product had not been fully eviscerated.

This product has been permanently discontinued.

Consumers who have purchased any packages of "Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring" are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company Monday through Friday 9:00am – 3:00pm EST at 1-313-542-2637 .

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.

Check your product

The notice names 10 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Lot or batch code

Usually ink-stamped near the seam, the cap or the bottom of the pack.

  • 25079
  • 25055
  • 25028
  • 26344
  • LOT 250

Best-by / use-by date

Printed beside the lot code, not on the price sticker.

  • May 03 2026
  • May 12 2026
  • June 03 2026
  • July 22 2026

Package size

Match the net weight or the piece count on the front of the pack.

  • 675 pounds

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Company recall announcements notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Botulism

Ma Cohen’s — Botulinum toxin is what this recall guards against. It gives no warning in taste or smell, and a swollen or leaking container is a sign but not a reliable one.

  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.

Refunds, and what else you can claim

The purchase price is the floor, not the ceiling. Where a recall caused you a real cost, say so.

  • Claim the refund at the store first; it is the fastest route and needs the least paperwork.
  • If you bought several packs over time, list them. Firms routinely settle for more than a single unit when a customer asks.
  • Medical costs, lost earnings or a spoiled event are not handled at the service desk. Write to the company contact on this page instead, with dates and documents.
  • Keep copies of everything you send. If a recall caused harm, that file is what any later claim rests on.

Remedy named in the notice: Consumers who have purchased any packages of "Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring" are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact: Shining Sea Fish Co. — Consumers: Peter Wojcik, (313) 542-2637 — Media: Peter Wojcik, (313) 542-2637

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 Ma Cohen’s other food products recalled?

Potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. Shining Sea Fish Co. of Detroit MI, is recalling its catch weight packages of "Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring" smoked fish because this product consists of, uneviscerated fish longer than five inches, which 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?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: lot code 25079, 25055, 25028; best-by date May 03 2026 or May 12 2026. If the code on your package is not on that list, your unit is outside the recall.

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: Consumers who have purchased any packages of "Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring" are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Which states were affected?

The notice lists Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota.

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