HHS NEWS
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
P00-1 Print Media: 202-205-4144
January 10, 2000
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
ROYAL BALTIC EXPANDS NATIONWIDE RECALL OF
SMOKED FISH PRODUCTS DUE TO POTENTIAL HEALTH RISK
Royal Baltic, Ltd., of Brooklyn, N.Y., is expanding its
December 23, 1999, recall of various smoked fish products because
they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria
monocytogenes, an organism that 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
headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea,
Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among
pregnant women.
The recall has been expanded to cover the following products
and lots:
- Assorted Plate in 8 oz. and 16 oz. packages containing
Siomga, Captain (Sea Bass), and Trout: Codes 411 though
912, distributed from 11/4/99 through 12/9/99.
- Smoked Captain (Sea Bass) in 0.5 lb. packages: Codes 410
through 2211, distributed from 10/4/99 through
11/22/99.
- Smoked Royal Trout in 3 oz. and 8 oz. packages: Codes 511
through 1211 distributed from 11/5/99 through 11/12/99.
- Smoked Turbot in 0.5 lb. packages: Codes 1611 through
2911, distributed from 11/16/99 through 11/29/99.
- Smoked Turbot in bulk form with Code 1511 distributed from
11/17/99 through 12/9/99.
- Imperial European Style Smoked Salmon in 3 oz. and 8 oz.
packages : Lots 911 through 2211, distributed from
11/9/99 through 11/22/99.
- Lake trout in 0.5 lb. packages: Codes 226 through 267,
distributed from 6/22/99 through 7/26/99.
- Lake trout in bulk form: Code 226, distributed from
6/24/99 through 7/2/99
- Lake trout in variety pack 0.5 lb. and 1 lb. sizes: Codes
97 through 157 distributed from 7/9/99 through 7/15/99.
- Smoked Captain (Sea Bass) bulk pack, Lot #1111 distributed
on 11/11/99.
- Lake Trout bulk pack, Lot #2710, distributed on 11/1/99.
- Smoked Siomga, Lot 2710, distributed from 10/27/99 through
11/12/99.
These products were distributed nationwide through retail
stores.
The source of the Listeria contamination found in some lots
of Royal Baltic's smoked fish has not yet been identified. The
FDA is continuing to investigate this matter.
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
718-385-8300.
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