A dangerous food recall is underway after fish sold in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut was found to pose a severe risk of botulism. This rare but potentially deadly illness can cause full-body paralysis.
- East Trading Corp, based in the Bronx, has recalled herring distributed in 18-pound wooden boxes labeled Lot 1 PRC5073. The fish, supplied by Sea Star Seafood Ltd., was shipped to over 75 independent grocery stores and markets across the tri-state area. Authorities warn it may have been repackaged in-store, making identification difficult.
The urgent recall was triggered after FDA inspectors discovered that the fish were uneviscerated, meaning their internal organs, which can harbor Clostridium botulinum, had not been removed. This dramatically increases the risk of contamination.
Botulism can strike within hours of consuming tainted food. It attacks the nervous system, potentially paralyzing muscles used for breathing. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Muscle weakness
- Slurred speech or blurred vision
- Abdominal swelling and constipation
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Full-body paralysis
If you’ve purchased fish from an independent retailer in the affected states, do not eat it, even if it looks or smells normal. No illnesses have been reported yet, but health officials stress that botulism can be fatal in up to 10% of cases.
The FDA urges anyone experiencing symptoms to seek emergency medical care immediately. The agency has released a full list of locations where the product was distributed and recommends contacting P. East Trading Corp for information on safe disposal or reimbursement.
This is not a drill. Botulism is rare, but when it strikes, it can be fast, silent, and deadly. Stay informed. Stay safe.
