Highest risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

North Fish Cold Smoked Capelin recall: Potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum

Recall published 2+ years ago

Potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum

North Fish Other food products — recalled other food products
Photo published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the recall notice.

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: North Fish USA Inc of Hallandale, FL is recalling the imported 9-ounce packages of "Cold Smoked Capelin," because the product was found to be over 5” in length and uneviscerated, as such having 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

Published
August 5, 2024
Risk level
Highest risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
North Fish
Product type
Other food products
Distribution
Georgia, New York
UPC codes
4811527003360
Reports of harm
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Products covered by this recall

Cold Smoked Capelin

What the company announced

North Fish USA Inc of Hallandale, FL is recalling the imported 9-ounce packages of "Cold Smoked Capelin," because the product was found to be over 5” in length and uneviscerated, as such having 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

The sale of uneviscerated fish over 5” in length may contain Clostridium botulinum spores as they are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. 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 product was distributed in New York and Georgia states to be distributed further to retail stores on East Coast.

The product comes in a 9 ounce, plastic package marked with UPC code 4811527003360, and with best before date 07.13.2024 and 01.05.2025 stamped in the back of the package.

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

The potential for contamination was noted by Patriot Foods after routine inspection by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Foods Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory staff.

Consumers who have purchased imported 9-ounce packages of North Fish USA “Cold Smoked Capelin" are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (954) 251-2021, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4 pm 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.

Check your product

The notice names 4 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

UPC / barcode

Read the twelve digits under the barcode on the package.

  • 4811527003360

Best-by / use-by date

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

  • 07.13.2024
  • 01.05.2025

Package size

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

  • 9 ounce

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

North Fish — 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. 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.
  3. Throw it away so nobody else can retrieve it, or follow the disposal wording in the official notice if it specifies a method.
  4. Wash anything the contents spilled on with a bleach solution and wear gloves while you do it.

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: Consumers who have purchased imported 9-ounce packages of North Fish USA “Cold Smoked Capelin" are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact: North Fish USA INC — Consumers: (954) 251-2021

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 North Fish other food products recalled?

Potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum North Fish USA Inc of Hallandale, FL is recalling the imported 9-ounce packages of "Cold Smoked Capelin," because the product was found to be over 5” in length and uneviscerated, as such having 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: UPC 4811527003360; best-by date 07.13.2024 or 01.05.2025. 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 imported 9-ounce packages of North Fish USA “Cold Smoked Capelin" are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Which states were affected?

The notice lists Georgia, New York.

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