Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Public Health Service 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857
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P99-34 Print Media: (301) 827-6242 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 23, 1999 Consumer Media: 888-INFO-FDA
Royal Baltic, Ltd., of Brooklyn, NY, is recalling a variety of smoked fish products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The recalled products are known to have been distributed in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and California.
The following are the affected products:
The source of the listeria contamination has not yet been identified, and it is not known whether other Royal Baltic seafood products are affected. FDA is continuing to investigate this matter.
The potential for contamination was noted through routine sampling and testing by New York State authorities and FDA.
Consumers who have purchased any of the above products should not eat them, but instead return them to place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-718 385-8300.