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Consumer Alert: Uneviscerated Processed Fish

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Doris Kolodko
          (718) 384-0555

For Immediate Release

Brooklyn, NY - April 24, 2003 -- Brooklyn Imports, Inc., 73 Van Dam Street, Brooklyn, New York 11222 is recalling 100 kilos (225-lb.) barrels of uneviscerated processed fish. The product, PSP Brand/ Round salted herring, was discovered by NYS Dept of Agriculture & Markets Food Inspectors during a routine inspection at a retail market in Brooklyn, New York.

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 the 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.

PSP Brand/ ROUND SALTED HERRING, is packaged in 100 kilos (225-1b.) barrels. The recalled product was sold in NY, IL, MI, NJ, PA and CT. Consumers who have PSP Brand/ ROUND SALTED HERRINGS are advised not to eat it.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers with questions should contact Brooklyn Imports at (718) 384-0555.

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2003-APR-28.