JFC International Inc. Recalls Uneviscerated Capelin

Uneviscerated fish recalled in Brooklyn, NY

/ Author:  / Reviewed by: Joseph V. Madia, MD

JFC International Inc. is recalling frozen capelin fish in New York that were found to be uneviscerated and potentially contaminated with spores that cause botulism, a serious and sometimes life-threatening illness.

JFC INTERNATlONAL INC. at 40 VARICK AVE, BROOKLYN, NY 11237 is recalling frozen CAPELIN discovered by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors during a routine inspection and subsequent analysis of product by Food Laboratory personnel confirming that the fish was not properly 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. Symptoms of botulism include blurred vision, general weakness and poor reflexes, difficulty in swallowing and respiratory paralysis.

The sale of un-eviscerated 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. Un-eviscerated fish has been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.

The recalled FROZEN CAPELIN comes in a PLASTIC WRAPPED STYROFOAM TRAY with the following codes: FROZEN CAPELIN 7L8P, FROZEN CAPELIN 7L5P, FROZEN CAPELIN 6L10P, FROZEN CAPELIN 6L8P, FROZEN CAPELIN 6L5P, FROZEN CAPELIN 5L10P, FROZEN CAPELIN 5L8P and is a product of VIETNAM. This product was sold NATIONWIDE.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Consumers who have FROZEN CAPELIN are advised not to eat it and should return it to the place of purchase. Consumer with questions may contact the company at Mr. Kiyoshi Tamai at (800) 633-1004.

Review Date: 
December 21, 2010