K A S H R U T . C O M_©

The following health alert is from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets on March 15, 2011.

D&M Smoked Fish, Inc., Queens, NY, is recalling Haifa brand Schmaltz Herring with the Lot # 51 and Cold Smoked Sprats Lot #54 because the product was found to be uneviscerated. The lot for Schmaltz Herring being recalled packed in white plastic pails with salt brine and was distributed through following food retailers in the NY area on or after February 27.

• R&M Supermarket- 76-05 Main Street Flushing, NY
• Royal Seafood - 3100 Brighton Beach Ave, Brooklyn, NY
• Ester Deli- 3664 Nostrand Ave. Brooklyn, NY

The lot for Cold Smoked Sprats being recalled is packed in bulk cases and was distributed through following food retailers in the NY area on or after February 28.

• Gold Label - 281-285 Brighton Beach Ave. Brooklyn, NY
• Gourmet Boutique- 36-88 Nostrand Ave. Brooklyn, NY
• Ester Deli- 3664 Nostrand Ave. Brooklyn, NY

The products were sampled by a New York State Agriculture and Markets Food Inspector during a routine inspection. Analysis of the product by New York State Food Laboratory personnel confirmed the Schmaltz Herring and Cold Smoked sprats were not properly eviscerated prior to processing. The sale of uneviscerated fish is prohibited under New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations because of Clostridium Botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish has been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.
Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled and should return it to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-523-8899.