By Matthew RobinsonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberA New Jersey-based company is recalling a select lot of fish that was not properly gutted because of its potential to be contaminated with botulism, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced.
Mamtakim Inc. issued a voluntary recall on November 25 for its Dried Whole Smelts Salted (Korushka) because the product consisted of uneviscerated fish longer than 5 inches, which has the possibility of being contaminated with the bacterium.
Newsweek contacted Mamtakim Inc. for comment by email outside regular working hours.
Why It Matters
Uneviscerated fish—those that have not been fully gutted—have been linked to outbreaks of botulism, according to the FDA. The bacteria Clostridium botulinum are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than in any other part of a fish.
The FDA warned that botulism is a "potentially fatal form of food poisoning." It can cause symptoms such as general weakness, dizziness, double vision, trouble with speaking or swallowing, difficulty breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation.
"People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention," the FDA said.
...What To Know
The affected product is the Belevini Dried Whole Smelts Salted (Korushka), which weighs 5.29 ounces and has the barcode 0754684898995 and an expiration date of April 8, 2026.
The product was sold to walk-in customers solely at the following store: Cherry Hill Gourmet, 1901 Emmons Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11235.
The recall was initiated after FDA inspectors and subsequent analysis found that the fish had not been properly gutted, which can allow Clostridium botulinum to develop.
As of November 25, no illnesses had been reported in connection with the consumption of the recalled fish.
What People Are Saying
The FDA said in its recall notice: "This bacterium can cause a severe, life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are strongly advised not to consume this product, even if it does not appear spoiled."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on its website: "The bacteria that make botulinum toxin are found naturally in many places, but it's rare for them to make people sick. These bacteria make spores, which act like protective coatings. Spores help the bacteria survive in the environment, even in extreme conditions.
"The spores usually do not cause people to become sick, even when they're eaten. But under certain conditions, these spores can grow and make one of the most lethal toxins known."
It added: "For example, improperly home-canned, preserved, or fermented foods can provide the right conditions for spores to grow and make botulinum toxin. When people eat these foods, they can become seriously ill, or even die, if they don't get proper medical treatment quickly."
The World Health Organization said on its website: "Foodborne botulism is a serious, potentially fatal disease. However, it is relatively rare. It is an intoxication usually caused by ingestion of potent neurotoxins, the botulinum toxins, formed in contaminated foods. Person to person transmission of botulism does not occur."
What Happens Next
The recall is ongoing, according to the FDA.
Customers who purchased the affected product are urged to avoid consuming it and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI Guidelines
Add Newsweek as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Recommended For You
NewsThe World Has a New Largest City3 min read
NewsThanksgiving Winter Storm Live Tracker, Updates as Heavy Snow to Hit1 min read
NewsWho Is Bruna Ferreira? Mother Of Karoline Leavitt’s Nephew Arrested By ICE2 min read
PoliticsEpstein Files: Massie Accuses Patel of ‘Troubling Deflection’ on Release2 min read
NewsMike Johnson’s Impression of a 104-Year-Old Black Man Takes Off Online1 min read
NewsUncommon Knowledge: Don’t Blame Trump for the Gerrymander Paradox8 min readRelated Podcasts
Top Stories
WorldPutin Gives Update on Ukraine Peace, Trump Sending Witkoff to Moscow: Live Updates3 min read
NewsUncommon Knowledge: Don’t Blame Trump for the Gerrymander Paradox8 min read
NewsMarjorie Taylor Greene Like ‘Canary in Coal Mine’ for GOP: Ex-House Speaker4 min readLive BlogThanksgiving Winter Storm Live Tracker, Updates as Heavy Snow to Hit1 min read
PoliticsDonald Trump’s Georgia Election Interference Case Dropped by New Prosecutor2 min read
U.S.Kristi Noem Among Those Named in Judge’s Criminal Inquiry: Full List2 min readTrending
MoneyNew ‘Cash Law’ Could Change Grocery Store Rules3 min read
SnowfallWinter Storm Warning Issued As 25 Inches of Snow To Strike5 min read
U.S. Economy‘Mass Blackout’ Starts Today: What to Know3 min read
Home PricesPrice Correction ‘Worse Than 2008’ Coming To US Housing Market—Analyst5 min read
ArkansasRepublican Switches Party To Democrats Amid Concerns About Affordability3 min readOpinion
OpinionThanksgiving in America | Opinion5 min read
OpinionWhen Strength Becomes a Burden—Reimagining the Strong Black Woman | Opinion4 min read
OpinionConventional Wisdom: Trump Turkey Pardoning Edition3 min read
OpinionDoes the US Need a Third Political Party? Newsweek Contributors Debate5 min read
OpinionGOP Rep.: The U.S. Must Close Critical AI Chip Export Loophole Exploited by China | Opinion5 min read