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Consumer Alert: Uneviscerated Processed Fish

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Vanessa Duong
          718-522-3388

For Immediate Release

Brooklyn, NY - July 19, 2002 -- BCN Trading Inc., 50 Franklin Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205 is recalling 2,250 pkgs. of uneviscerated processed fish. The product, Asian Boy "Frozen Steamed Mackerel" was discovered by NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets Food Inspectors during a routine inspection at a retail market in Rochester, NY. Samples analyzed confirmed that the fish had not been eviscerated prior to processing.

This product may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause Botulism, a serious and potentially fatal food-borne illness.

The sale of this type of fish is prohibited under New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of me fish. Uneviscerated processed fish has been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning. Symptoms of Botulism include blurred or double vision, general weakness, poor reflexes, difficulty swallowing and respiratory paralysis.

Asian Boy "Frozen Steamed Mackerel" is packaged in uncoded, 2 fish/wicker basket, inside poly bag, UPC code 8935026010899, product of Vietnam. It was distributed to markets in NY, Florida, Mass, Conn., NJ.

Consumers who have Asian Boy "Frozen Steamed Mackerel" are advised not to eat it.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers with questions should contact BCN Trading Inc. at 50 Franklin Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205 at 718-522-3388.

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2002-JUL-22.