Could the fish in your fridge leave you paralyzed? Urgent recall issued across multiple states
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If you’re a seafood lover, it’s time to check your fridge and freezer—because a recent recall could turn your next fish dinner into a medical emergency.
At The GrayVine, we’re all about savoring life’s simple pleasures, but nothing spoils a good meal like a side of health risk.
Here’s what you need to know about the urgent recall of fish that could, in rare cases, leave you paralyzed.
What’s Happening?
Sea Star Seafood Ltd., a company based in the Bronx, New York, has issued an urgent recall for a batch of fish distributed to independent retailers across New York, New Jersey, and Conneticut.
The affected product was shipped in 18-pound wooden boxes marked with the container code “Lot 1 PRC5073.”
But here’s the catch: many stores likely repackaged the fish, so you might not see that code on your purchase.
The recall was triggered after food safety inspectors discovered that the fish were uneviscerated—meaning their internal organs hadn’t been removed. The fish were also more than 5 inches in length.
This is a big deal because the risk of botulism, a rare but potentially deadly foodborne illness, skyrockets when fish are sold this way.
Why Is Uneviscerated Fish So Dangerous?
Let’s break it down: the internal organs of fish, especially the intestines, can harbor Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria responsible for botulism.
When fish aren’t properly cleaned, these bacteria can thrive, especially in the low-oxygen environments created by packaging.
The result? A toxin that attacks your nervous system, potentially leading to paralysis—including the muscles you need to breathe.
Also read: Surprise allergen triggers recall in 11 states—could it be in your pantry?
Botulism is rare, but it’s nothing to take lightly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 200 cases occur in the US each year, with only 25 linked to food. But when it strikes, it can be fatal in 5–10% of cases.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of foodborne botulism usually appear within 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food, but they can show up in as little as a few hours or as long as several days. Here’s what to watch for:
- Muscle weakness
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Abdominal swelling
- Constipation
- Difficulty breathing
- Paralysis (including facial muscles, eyelids, and even the muscles that help you breathe)
- Double or blurry vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Trouble moving the eyes
Also read: Mushroom recall sparks concern—check your fridge before it’s too late
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms after eating fish, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can be lifesaving.
How Did This Happen?
Botulism is caused by a toxin released by Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium found in soil, marine environments, and on the surface of foods like fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
The bacteria themselves aren’t always harmful, but in the right conditions—warm, moist, and oxygen-free environments like sealed cans or jars—they can produce a toxin that’s one of the most potent known to science.
Fermented foods, low-acid foods (like most vegetables, meats, and fish), and improperly processed seafood are the usual suspects. That’s why food safety regulations require fish to be eviscerated before sale—removing the organs removes the main source of risk.
Source: JJ Medicine / Youtube.
What Should You Do?
- Don’t eat the fish if you bought it from an independent retailer and suspect it might be part of the recall—even if it looks and smells fine. Botulism toxin doesn’t change the taste, smell, or appearance of food.
- Check your packaging. If you see “Lot 1 PRC5073” or bought loose or repackaged fish from a small store, play it safe and don’t consume it.
- Contact P. East Trading Corp for instructions on how to safely dispose of the product and to ask about reimbursement. You can reach them at (718) 991-5070 or [email protected].
- Spread the word. If you know friends or family who might have purchased fish from independent stores, let them know about the recall.
You can find more information about the recall here.
Read next: FDA issues recall alert for popular frozen item found in ALDI stores
Have you ever experienced a food recall or foodborne illness? Do you have tips for staying safe when shopping for seafood? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
At The GrayVine, we’re all about savoring life’s simple pleasures, but nothing spoils a good meal like a side of health risk.
Here’s what you need to know about the urgent recall of fish that could, in rare cases, leave you paralyzed.
What’s Happening?
Sea Star Seafood Ltd., a company based in the Bronx, New York, has issued an urgent recall for a batch of fish distributed to independent retailers across New York, New Jersey, and Conneticut.
The affected product was shipped in 18-pound wooden boxes marked with the container code “Lot 1 PRC5073.”
But here’s the catch: many stores likely repackaged the fish, so you might not see that code on your purchase.
The recall was triggered after food safety inspectors discovered that the fish were uneviscerated—meaning their internal organs hadn’t been removed. The fish were also more than 5 inches in length.
Fish sold across multiple states has been urgently recalled due to concerns it may contain uneviscerated fish, increasing the risk of botulism—a rare and potentially fatal illness causing paralysis. Image source: DG Loves To Talk & Cook! / Youtube.
This is a big deal because the risk of botulism, a rare but potentially deadly foodborne illness, skyrockets when fish are sold this way.
Why Is Uneviscerated Fish So Dangerous?
Let’s break it down: the internal organs of fish, especially the intestines, can harbor Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria responsible for botulism.
When fish aren’t properly cleaned, these bacteria can thrive, especially in the low-oxygen environments created by packaging.
The result? A toxin that attacks your nervous system, potentially leading to paralysis—including the muscles you need to breathe.
Also read: Surprise allergen triggers recall in 11 states—could it be in your pantry?
Botulism is rare, but it’s nothing to take lightly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 200 cases occur in the US each year, with only 25 linked to food. But when it strikes, it can be fatal in 5–10% of cases.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of foodborne botulism usually appear within 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food, but they can show up in as little as a few hours or as long as several days. Here’s what to watch for:
- Muscle weakness
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Abdominal swelling
- Constipation
- Difficulty breathing
- Paralysis (including facial muscles, eyelids, and even the muscles that help you breathe)
- Double or blurry vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Trouble moving the eyes
Also read: Mushroom recall sparks concern—check your fridge before it’s too late
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms after eating fish, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can be lifesaving.
How Did This Happen?
Botulism is caused by a toxin released by Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium found in soil, marine environments, and on the surface of foods like fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
The bacteria themselves aren’t always harmful, but in the right conditions—warm, moist, and oxygen-free environments like sealed cans or jars—they can produce a toxin that’s one of the most potent known to science.
Fermented foods, low-acid foods (like most vegetables, meats, and fish), and improperly processed seafood are the usual suspects. That’s why food safety regulations require fish to be eviscerated before sale—removing the organs removes the main source of risk.
Source: JJ Medicine / Youtube.
What Should You Do?
- Don’t eat the fish if you bought it from an independent retailer and suspect it might be part of the recall—even if it looks and smells fine. Botulism toxin doesn’t change the taste, smell, or appearance of food.
- Check your packaging. If you see “Lot 1 PRC5073” or bought loose or repackaged fish from a small store, play it safe and don’t consume it.
- Contact P. East Trading Corp for instructions on how to safely dispose of the product and to ask about reimbursement. You can reach them at (718) 991-5070 or [email protected].
- Spread the word. If you know friends or family who might have purchased fish from independent stores, let them know about the recall.
You can find more information about the recall here.
Read next: FDA issues recall alert for popular frozen item found in ALDI stores
Have you ever experienced a food recall or foodborne illness? Do you have tips for staying safe when shopping for seafood? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
