- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall of smoked salmon and smoked sea bass sold nationwide.
- The fish was recalled over Listeria monocytogenes contamination concerns.
- Listeria is a group of bacteria that may cause sometimes fatal infection in vulnerable populations.
Haifa Smoked Fish and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are recalling smoked salmon and smoked sea bass over concerns of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause potentially fatal infections in some people.
The recalled smoked salmon and smoked sea bass were distributed nationwide and to a variety of retailers, according to the FDA. Haifa Cold Smoked Salmon in 8-ounce packages, Lot 219, and Haifa Cold Smoked Sea Bass in 8-ounce packages, Lot 212 are vacuum-sealed on a paper board with flexible plastic coverings.
No expiration dates, best-by dates, or any other identification information were provided; however, photos of the affected product are listed in the FDA’s notice. At the time of publication, no illness related to the recall has been reported. If you believe you may have recalled product, do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to the place of purchase to inquire about a refund.
The possible Listeria contamination was discovered after a sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspector took place. Subsequent analysis of Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of the bacteria.
About Listeria infection
Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a type of disease-causing bacterium that may be found in soil, water, sewage, rotting vegetation, and animals, according to the FDA. It can thrive in unsanitary food production conditions and is usually transmitted in manufacturing when food is harvested, processed, prepared, packed, transported, or stored.
In healthy people, infection may cause short-term symptoms like high fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, it may cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. If the infection spreads beyond the intestines, it may cause neurological symptoms like confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, and may be life-threatening. Symptoms often appear within 24 hours of eating contaminated food, although they can sometimes take up to two months to manifest. If you’re concerned you may have contracted Listeria, reach out to your healthcare provider.
If you purchased recalled fish, the FDA says not to eat it. Instead, return it to the place of purchase for a refund. If you have questions regarding the recall, you can contact Haifa at 718-523-8899.
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