HHS NEWS

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services


FDA PRESS STATEMENT          Print Media:     202-205-4144
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE        
November 13, 1998            Consumer Hotline 888-INFO-FDA

SMOKED SHAD RECALLED BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK

The Food and Drug Administration is announcing that Royal Baltic, Ltd. of Brooklyn, NY is recalling smoked shad because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled smoked shad was distributed in vacuum packaging or as unpackaged and unlabeled whole fish in retail stores in New York, California, Illinois, Oregon and Washington state. The product recalled includes codes 2710, 2810 and 2910.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in smoked shad.

Consumers who have purchased Royal Baltic smoked shad are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. If unpackaged and unlabeled smoked shad has been purchased, check with the retailer to determine if the product was Royal Baltic brand. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-385-8300.

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