Class I U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Terra Medi LLC Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring recall: Un-eviscerated fish may be contaminated with clostridium botulinum

Recall published 5 months ago

Un-eviscerated fish may 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: Un-eviscerated fish may be contaminated with clostridium botulinum

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-0899-2026
Published
June 10, 2026
Risk level
Class I
Status
Ongoing
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Terra Medi LLC
Product type
Other food products
Units affected
20 cases (15 units per case)
Distribution
Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York
Made in
United States
Lot / code info
production date of 4/12/2025, best before 4/12/2026, L120425F54

Products covered by this recall

Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring

Check your product

The notice names 8 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Best-by / use-by date

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

  • 12
  • 2026
  • L120425F54 — 20 cases

Model or item number

On the rating label, the box or the instruction sheet.

  • 12
  • 2025
  • best before 4
  • 2026
  • L1204

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Food & cosmetics enforcement notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Botulism

Terra Medi LLC — 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.

Company contact: Terra Medi LLC — 3720 Skillman Ave, Long Island City, NY, 11101-1731

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 — Food & cosmetics enforcement record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Terra Medi LLC other food products recalled?

Un-eviscerated fish may be contaminated with clostridium botulinum Un-eviscerated fish may be contaminated with clostridium botulinum

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: best-by date 12 or 2026; model number 12, 2025, best before 4. 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?

A photo of the label and lot code is accepted by most grocers, and so is a card statement line showing the purchase.

Which states were affected?

The notice lists Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York.

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