Check your freezer: Certain product recalled nationwide due to inspection issues
- Replies 0
If you like to keep your freezer stocked with quick, flavorful ingredients—especially international favorites—it might be time to take a closer look.
A new nationwide food recall is making headlines, and it could involve items commonly found at Asian grocery stores and specialty markets.
The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a recall involving nearly 10,000 pounds of frozen products distributed across the United States.
Although there have been no reported illnesses so far, the items in question were not processed through the proper inspection channels required for imported seafood, prompting safety concerns.
What’s behind the recall?
The recalled products were imported by Starway International Group LLC, based in Maspeth, New York.
The frozen fish balls were produced in Vietnam—but not at a facility that’s approved to export Siluriformes fish (which includes catfish and similar species) to the United States.
In addition, the packages do not have the USDA inspection mark or an establishment number, meaning they skipped an important safety step.
While the recall is being handled out of caution, the FSIS says uninspected items may not meet US food safety standards.
Also read: FDA issues recall alert for popular frozen item found in ALDI stores
Which products are affected?
You’ll want to check your freezer for the following items:
These products are commonly sold in Asian supermarkets and specialty grocery stores.
Even if you bought them weeks ago, they could still be in your freezer—so it’s worth double-checking.
Also read: Seafood lovers, beware: Over 44,000 pounds pulled in FDA recall over listeria risk
What should you do if you have them?
According to FSIS, do not eat these products. Instead:
Retailers have also been instructed to remove the items from shelves immediately.
No illnesses have been reported so far, but because the fish balls didn’t go through proper inspection, it’s not possible to confirm their safety.
Also read: Mushroom recall sparks concern—check your fridge before it’s too late
Why food recalls like this matter
Recalls can sound alarming, but they’re actually a vital part of the US food safety system.
Agencies like the FSIS monitor both domestic and imported foods to make sure products meet health and safety standards.
When something doesn’t check out—whether it’s contamination, labeling issues, or in this case, an inspection problem—a recall is issued to prevent any potential risk to consumers.
This particular recall highlights the importance of proper import authorization, especially for seafood products that require extra oversight.
How to stay food-safe at home
Here are a few simple tips to help keep your kitchen—and your family—safe:
At the end of the day, keeping an eye on recalls like this one is just another way we can protect our health and the people we care about.
A quick freezer check now could prevent a bigger problem later.
And as always, The GrayVine is here to keep you informed every step of the way.
Read next: Could the fish in your fridge leave you paralyzed? Urgent recall issued across multiple states
Have you ever found a recalled product in your freezer? Do you have favorite recipes that use fish balls—or tips on how you check food labels when shopping? The GrayVine community is full of smart, experienced home cooks, and we’d love to hear your advice. Drop a comment below and help others stay safe and informed.
A new nationwide food recall is making headlines, and it could involve items commonly found at Asian grocery stores and specialty markets.
The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a recall involving nearly 10,000 pounds of frozen products distributed across the United States.
Although there have been no reported illnesses so far, the items in question were not processed through the proper inspection channels required for imported seafood, prompting safety concerns.
A new nationwide recall is prompting consumers to check their freezers for affected frozen products. Image Source: Pexels / Kampus Production.
What’s behind the recall?
The recalled products were imported by Starway International Group LLC, based in Maspeth, New York.
The frozen fish balls were produced in Vietnam—but not at a facility that’s approved to export Siluriformes fish (which includes catfish and similar species) to the United States.
In addition, the packages do not have the USDA inspection mark or an establishment number, meaning they skipped an important safety step.
While the recall is being handled out of caution, the FSIS says uninspected items may not meet US food safety standards.
Also read: FDA issues recall alert for popular frozen item found in ALDI stores
Which products are affected?
You’ll want to check your freezer for the following items:
- 16-ounce plastic bags labeled “Cá Viên Trang White Fish Balls” (Item #81142103)
- 2-kilogram plastic bags labeled “Cá Viên Trang White Fish Balls” (Item #81142102)
- 16-ounce plastic bags labeled “Cá Viên Chiên Fried Fish Balls” (Item #81142101)
- 2-kilogram plastic bags labeled “Cá Viên Chiên Fried Fish Balls” (Item #81142100)
These products are commonly sold in Asian supermarkets and specialty grocery stores.
Even if you bought them weeks ago, they could still be in your freezer—so it’s worth double-checking.
Also read: Seafood lovers, beware: Over 44,000 pounds pulled in FDA recall over listeria risk
What should you do if you have them?
According to FSIS, do not eat these products. Instead:
- Throw them away, or
- Return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Retailers have also been instructed to remove the items from shelves immediately.
No illnesses have been reported so far, but because the fish balls didn’t go through proper inspection, it’s not possible to confirm their safety.
Recalled frozen products were pulled from shelves due to missing USDA inspection marks and improper import authorization, prompting a nationwide alert. Image Source: USDA.
Also read: Mushroom recall sparks concern—check your fridge before it’s too late
Why food recalls like this matter
Recalls can sound alarming, but they’re actually a vital part of the US food safety system.
Agencies like the FSIS monitor both domestic and imported foods to make sure products meet health and safety standards.
When something doesn’t check out—whether it’s contamination, labeling issues, or in this case, an inspection problem—a recall is issued to prevent any potential risk to consumers.
This particular recall highlights the importance of proper import authorization, especially for seafood products that require extra oversight.
How to stay food-safe at home
Here are a few simple tips to help keep your kitchen—and your family—safe:
- Inspect packaging: Look for the USDA inspection mark or establishment number on meat and seafood products.
- Be cautious with unfamiliar imports: Especially frozen or specialty items with limited English labeling.
- Sign up for alerts: The FSIS and FDA offer free email or text updates for recall notifications.
- When in doubt, toss it out: If a product doesn’t look right or if you’re unsure about its origin, it’s safer to let it go.
At the end of the day, keeping an eye on recalls like this one is just another way we can protect our health and the people we care about.
A quick freezer check now could prevent a bigger problem later.
And as always, The GrayVine is here to keep you informed every step of the way.
Read next: Could the fish in your fridge leave you paralyzed? Urgent recall issued across multiple states
Have you ever found a recalled product in your freezer? Do you have favorite recipes that use fish balls—or tips on how you check food labels when shopping? The GrayVine community is full of smart, experienced home cooks, and we’d love to hear your advice. Drop a comment below and help others stay safe and informed.
