A potential botulism risk has caused the recall of a variety of fish products imported into Minnesota.
The recall specifically concerns croaker, barracuda, big eye, and red snapper, all smoked and all available in a 10 ounce cardboard box. The items were imported from Guyana by Import Foods Wholesale Inc., a St. Paul-based company.
The possible contamination of clostridium botulinum spores, which is what causes botulism poisoning, was discovered by officials at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The fish were not eviscerated properly, and the sale of fish longer than five inches that haven’t been cleaned correctly is strictly prohibited, as the botulism-causing spores typically present themselves in a fish’s viscera.
The effects of botulism are many. Vision can be compromised, reflexes become poorer, a person can become weak, it becomes hard to swallow, and botulism has even been known to be fatal if it causes a respiratory paralysis. Anyone undergoing one or more of these effects should seek medical attention immediately. Thankfully, there have been no reported illnesses as of yet.
The fish mentioned above was available in various markets in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Purchasers of the affected items should not only not eat it, but return it to the place where it was bought.
I’m sad to see yet another product recall as a San Francisco personal injury lawyer. Every day brings some new impediment to public safety, and I just hope that no one with the affected product gets hurt. As a Long Beach personal injury attorney, I advise everyone out there to keep tabs on potential recalls and contaminations with any food item they consume.