A St. Paul, MN establishment is now recalling Smoked Croaker, Barracuda, Big Eye, and Red Snapper because these products were not properly eviscerated prior to processing. The fish being recalled may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause botulism, a potentially-deadly foodborne illness. Signs and symptoms of botulism food poisoning may include difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, cramping, double vision, weakness, and paralysis.
Free Import Foods Wholesale Smoked Fish Recall Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one was diagnosed with botulism food poisoning after consuming Import Foods Wholesale Smoked Fish included in this recall, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit against Import Foods Wholesale, Inc. and our lawyers can help.
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What’s the problem?
April 10, 2012 – According to a press release[1] issued today by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Import Foods Wholesale Inc. is currently recalling the following smoked fish products because they were not eviscerated, and have the potential to cause botulism food poisoning:
- Smoked Croaker comes in a 10lb cardboard box with a code: 298/11 and is a product of Guyana;
- Smoked Barracuda comes in a 10lb cardboard box with a code: 0282/011 and is a product of Guyana;
- Smoked Big Eye comes in a 10lb cardboard box with a code: 287L10 and is product of Guyana;
- Smoked Red Snapper comes in a 10lb cardboard box with a code: 298-11 is a product of Guyana.
These products were distributed to retail stores in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa. Consumers who have purchased any of the smoked fish products listed above should discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. To date, there have been no illnesses reported in connection with this recall.
The sale of improperly eviscerated fish five inches in length or greater is illegal due to the fact that Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be found in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish have been linked to outbreaks of botulism food poisoning which have the potential to cause life-threatening public health hazards.
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Botulism Food Poisoning
Botulism is a severe foodborne illness caused by a lethal neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxin paralyzes the nerves it comes into contact with, restricting the muscle’s ability to contract, which can eventually lead to paralysis and respiratory failure. Any degree of botulism food poisoning is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated in a timely manner.
Signs and symptoms of botulism food poisoning include:
- progressive weakness
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal cramps
- difficulty swallowing
- difficulty speaking
- double vision
- difficulty breathing
FAQs
What should I do if I have purchased the recalled smoked fish?
If you have purchased the recalled smoked fish, you should stop consuming it immediately. Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund, or follow disposal instructions provided by the company or recall notice.
What symptoms should I look out for if I consumed the recalled smoked fish?
If you consumed the recalled smoked fish, monitor for symptoms of listeriosis, which include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, symptoms may include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, and convulsions. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Can I get a refund if I purchased recalled smoked fish?
Yes, consumers who purchased the recalled smoked fish are typically eligible for a refund. Contact the retailer or manufacturer for refund or return instructions.
Related: Symptoms of Food Poisoning
Do You Have an Import Foods Wholesale Smoked Fish Recall Lawsuit?
The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Import Foods Wholesale Smoked Fish recall lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new botulism food poisoning cases in all 50 states.
Free Import Foods Wholesale Smoked Fish Recall Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one was diagnosed with botulism food poisoning after consuming Import Foods Wholesale Smoked Fish included in this recall, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a botulism food poisoning lawsuit and we can help.