Brooklyn company recalls herring

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin is alerting consumers to a recall of a herring product.

TGF PRODUCTION LLC, Brooklyn, N.Y., is recalling “Herring Salted” because the product was found to be uneviscerated.

The recalled herring was distributed nationwide in 1.3kg (2.86lb) round plastic containers with the code numbers 24.08.09 and 13.07.09.  It is a product of Russia.

The herring was sampled by a New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food inspector during a routine inspection. Subsequent analysis by New York State Food Laboratory personnel confirmed that the product was not properly eviscerated prior to processing.

The sale of uneviscerated fish is prohibited under the New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish have been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.

This product may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause botulism, a serious and potentially fatal food-borne illness. Symptoms of botulism include blurred or double vision, general weakness, poor reflexes, difficulty in swallowing and respiratory paralysis.

Consumers that have purchased “Herring Salted” are advised not to eat it and should return it to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact TGF PRODUCTION LLC, at 646-546-5847.

                                                          ###