Phil-Am recalls smoked fish after state issues botulism warning
BY NEWS DESK | DECEMBER 6, 2016




Two days after New York officials posted a consumer alert warning about possible contamination of Phil-Am smoked mackerel the New Jersey-based Phil-Am Trading Inc. posted a recall with the FDA stating the fish could cause botulism poisoning.

recalled Phil Am smoked mackerel label“Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled,” according to the recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website. “Consumers who have purchased Phil-Am Smoked Mackerel (Hasa-Hasa) are urged to not consume it, and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.”

Phil-Am distributed the smoked mackerel — Hasa-Hasa — in New Jersey, New York, Georgia and Pennsylvania. It has a long shelf life, causing concern that consumers may have unopened packages in their homes. No illnesses had been reported in relation to the recalled mackerel as of Dec. 3.

The recalled fish is packaged in clear, flexible plastic pouches that are topped with a predominantly red label on the top seal. Consumers and retailers can identify the recalled products by the UPC number 814487015147.

The fish is a product of the Philippines and is sold by the Asian Supermarket Group Inc. of Albany, NY, according to the consumer alert from the New York Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball.

The smoked mackerel shipped to stores between February and November. Stores will be notified of their receipt of product and will be provided with recall instructions, according to the recall notice. New York officials have laboratory confirmation that the smoked mackerel was not eviscerated and could be contaminated with the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism.

“Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing,” according to the recall notice.

“Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distention and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.”

Consumers with questions may contact Phil-Am Trading Inc. at 201-420-8595.