Botulism Risk Prompts Fish Recall

Pacific American Fish Co, Inc. of Vernon, California is recalling certain Shishamo Roe Capelin fish over fears of Clostridium botulinum contamination, also known as botulism, which can cause serious foodborne illness, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced.

The Recalled Fish is SHI306 Shishamo 4L 5PC (23-28G) Wild, Pack 4/20TR, Lots 202885-2 and 201011-3, Master Carton information.

Based on an FDA Import Alert, this type of processing and size of the product has the potential to be contaminated with botulism. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not appear to be spoiled.

As we’ve previously written, botulism is a serious and potentially fatal form of Food Poisoning that can cause life-threatening illness or death, botulism symptoms can include: General weakness, dizziness, double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, and trouble with speaking or swallowing, and dry mouth. Difficulty in breathing; weakness of other muscles, for instance, muscle weakness that starts at the shoulders and moves progressively down the body, abdominal distension, and constipation may also be common symptoms.

Botulism poisoning can cause paralysis of breathing muscles, which can lead to death without treatment and respiratory ventilation in about eight percent of cases.

C. botulinum can also cause additional symptoms if the Shishamo was not properly cooked at recommended temperatures and was consumed in large quantities.

Also, people with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and children have a higher risk for these symptoms. Anyone experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

The recalled product was distributed in California, Kansas, Hawaii, Washington, New York, and Texas via retail stores.

Shishamo Roe Capelin, in retail packages, can be identified as five pieces of frozen fish packaged in a Styrofoam plate, wrapped in plastic. The label reads: Pacific American Fish Co, Roe Capelin, and says Shishamo in Japanese script.
To date, no illnesses have been reported.

This product recall was prompted by FDA’s Import Alert regarding the salt-cured, uneviscerated fish, larger than five inches in length. The Shishamo in question exceeded that size parameter by ¼-inch to 1-1/4 inches and, therefore, is slightly over the stated regulation.

Consumers with any Pacific American Fish Co. Shishamo Roe Capelin should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Pacific American Fish can be reached at 1.323.319.1503, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, for additional information.