Fish products that might cause botulism got recalled this week by the importing company, based in Pembroke Park.
North Fish USA’s 9-ounce packs of North Fish Cold Smoked Capelin went to New York and Georgia distributors for retail store sale up and down the East Coast.
“Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled,” the recall notice states.
Online seller Patriot Foods learned of the potential problem after a routine inspection by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Foods.
Not only were the fish over 5 inches, cut they weren’t eviscerated ( organs, including gonads, removed , as described by the Ontario government).
“The sale of uneviscerated fish over 5 inches in length may contain Clostridium botulinum spores as they are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish,” North Fish’s recall notice states. “ Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms.”