Double recall alert: FDA flags health risks in popular seafood items
- Replies 0
Seafood lovers, take note—two serious food recalls have just been issued, and they could affect what’s sitting in your fridge or freezer.
The FDA has classified two recalls as Class I, its highest risk level, due to potential health threats.
These range from severe allergic reactions to rare but dangerous bacterial contamination.
If you’ve purchased any seafood recently, now’s the time to double-check your freezer.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and protect those around you.
The first recall involves Salted Smoked Split Herring—also known as kippers—distributed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
P. East Trading Corp., based in the Bronx, pulled 81 cases of this product from shelves after New York State Food Laboratory officials found the fish had not been properly eviscerated.
That’s a food safety concern because fish longer than five inches must have internal organs removed to prevent Clostridium botulinum contamination.
The recall was officially classified by the FDA as a Class I recall on June 10—its most urgent category, indicating a reasonable probability of serious illness or death.
This type of fish is particularly risky due to the concentration of C. botulinum spores in the viscera.
In fact, the product falls under FDA Import Alert #16-74, which bans uneviscerated fish over five inches from being sold in the US due to botulism concerns.
The herring was sold in 18-pound wooden boxes under lot number 1PRC5073, manufactured by Sea Star Seafood Ltd. of Canada.
It was often repackaged in deli-style containers, so even if your fish doesn’t look like it came from a box, it could still be affected.
The product made its way into dozens of stores across the tri-state area, including:
No illnesses have been reported as of June 10, but the risk is real.
Botulism symptoms can include:
If you’ve eaten smoked herring and experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
For more information, contact P. East Trading’s office manager, Jay Hong, at (718) 991-6070 or [email protected].
You can find a list of stores that received and may have sold the recalled products here.
Meanwhile, seafood shoppers across the country are being warned about a separate issue.
Tri-Union Frozen Products, also known as Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods, voluntarily recalled about 64,000 pounds of frozen shrimp due to undeclared sulfites—a preservative that can trigger dangerous reactions in sensitive individuals, especially those with asthma.
The recall was initiated on May 6 and was classified as Class I by the FDA on June 24.
The affected product—Raw P&D Tail-On White Shrimp—was sold exclusively at Whole Foods stores nationwide and may have also been used in Whole Foods’ in-store deli and prepared meals.
In addition, a portion of the affected lot was sent to Seven Seas Fish Co. Ltd. in Canada.
Key details include:
The FDA requires food labels to declare sulfites if they’re present in amounts above 10 parts per million (ppm). This shrimp exceeded that threshold but lacked the required labeling.
Reactions to sulfites can include:
While only about 1% of Americans are sulfite-sensitive, that risk increases among the estimated 25 million Americans with asthma.
Research suggests 5–10% of those with asthma—as many as 2.5 million people—could have adverse reactions.
Here’s what to do if you suspect you’ve purchased either of the recalled items:
These recalls are a reminder that even trusted products can carry hidden risks. Here are a few ways to stay safe:
Older adults may be especially vulnerable to foodborne illnesses and allergic reactions. Taking a few moments to double-check your purchases can make a big difference.
Stay safe, stay savvy, and let’s continue looking out for each other—whether it’s at the seafood counter or around the dinner table.
Read next: Silent threat in the snack aisle? New recall sparks urgent warning
Have you ever dealt with a food recall? Do you have tips for spotting unsafe items or checking labels? Share your story in the comments—your advice could help others in our community stay safe and informed.
The FDA has classified two recalls as Class I, its highest risk level, due to potential health threats.
These range from severe allergic reactions to rare but dangerous bacterial contamination.
If you’ve purchased any seafood recently, now’s the time to double-check your freezer.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and protect those around you.
A growing number of seafood recalls has consumers checking labels and freezers nationwide. Image Source: Pexels / Eduardo Soares.
Smoked herring recall linked to botulism risk
The first recall involves Salted Smoked Split Herring—also known as kippers—distributed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
P. East Trading Corp., based in the Bronx, pulled 81 cases of this product from shelves after New York State Food Laboratory officials found the fish had not been properly eviscerated.
That’s a food safety concern because fish longer than five inches must have internal organs removed to prevent Clostridium botulinum contamination.
The recall was officially classified by the FDA as a Class I recall on June 10—its most urgent category, indicating a reasonable probability of serious illness or death.
This type of fish is particularly risky due to the concentration of C. botulinum spores in the viscera.
In fact, the product falls under FDA Import Alert #16-74, which bans uneviscerated fish over five inches from being sold in the US due to botulism concerns.
The herring was sold in 18-pound wooden boxes under lot number 1PRC5073, manufactured by Sea Star Seafood Ltd. of Canada.
It was often repackaged in deli-style containers, so even if your fish doesn’t look like it came from a box, it could still be affected.
Also read: FDA issues recall alert for popular frozen item found in ALDI stores
The product made its way into dozens of stores across the tri-state area, including:
- Pioneer Supermarket (Newark, NJ)
- Joe’s Market #3 (Irvington, NJ)
- Keyfood (Laurelton, NY)
- Happy Fruit Market (Teaneck, NJ)
- Food Bazaar and C Town supermarkets
- Ideal Food Basket
Also read: Recall notice for a favorite cereal—did you buy the affected batch?
No illnesses have been reported as of June 10, but the risk is real.
Botulism symptoms can include:
- Fatigue or muscle weakness
- Trouble speaking or swallowing
- Abdominal bloating or constipation
- Blurred or double vision
If you’ve eaten smoked herring and experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
For more information, contact P. East Trading’s office manager, Jay Hong, at (718) 991-6070 or [email protected].
You can find a list of stores that received and may have sold the recalled products here.
Also read: Vitamin recall alert: Peanut allergy risk prompts urgent warning
Nationwide shrimp recall tied to undeclared sulfites
Meanwhile, seafood shoppers across the country are being warned about a separate issue.
Tri-Union Frozen Products, also known as Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods, voluntarily recalled about 64,000 pounds of frozen shrimp due to undeclared sulfites—a preservative that can trigger dangerous reactions in sensitive individuals, especially those with asthma.
The recall was initiated on May 6 and was classified as Class I by the FDA on June 24.
The affected product—Raw P&D Tail-On White Shrimp—was sold exclusively at Whole Foods stores nationwide and may have also been used in Whole Foods’ in-store deli and prepared meals.
In addition, a portion of the affected lot was sent to Seven Seas Fish Co. Ltd. in Canada.
Key details include:
- UPC: 1 08432370 0405 5
- Lot numbers: 669/18WH/124; 669/19WH/134; 669/20WH144; 669/30VH/127; 669/01HH/003; 669/03HH011
- Best-by dates: July 18–20, 2026; September 30, 2026; October 1 and 3, 2026
- Packaging: 5lb individually quick frozen (IQF) blocks, 4 per case
The FDA requires food labels to declare sulfites if they’re present in amounts above 10 parts per million (ppm). This shrimp exceeded that threshold but lacked the required labeling.
Frozen shrimp products like these are at the center of a nationwide recall due to undeclared allergens. Check your labels. Image Source: YouTube / 11Alive.
Also read: Heads-up, shoppers! Urgent recall issued for popular pastries
Reactions to sulfites can include:
- Hives or itching
- Stomach pain
- Breathing difficulty
- Rare but serious anaphylaxis
While only about 1% of Americans are sulfite-sensitive, that risk increases among the estimated 25 million Americans with asthma.
Research suggests 5–10% of those with asthma—as many as 2.5 million people—could have adverse reactions.
Also read: Surprise allergen triggers recall in 11 states—could it be in your pantry?
What to do if you have these products
Here’s what to do if you suspect you’ve purchased either of the recalled items:
- Do not eat the product. Even if it looks or smells fine, it could still pose a health risk.
- Check your packaging. Look for the lot numbers, UPC, or repackaged deli labels.
- Return or dispose of it. Bring it back to the store for a refund or discard it safely.
- Tell others. Especially if you know someone who shops at Whole Foods or buys preserved fish.
Also read: Urgent vehicle recall: Check if yours is on the list!
Seafood safety tips for everyone
These recalls are a reminder that even trusted products can carry hidden risks. Here are a few ways to stay safe:
- Always buy seafood from reputable stores that follow FDA guidelines.
- Avoid uneviscerated fish longer than five inches.
- Read labels closely—especially for allergens like sulfites.
- Store smoked or frozen seafood properly and check expiration dates.
- When in doubt, throw it out.
Older adults may be especially vulnerable to foodborne illnesses and allergic reactions. Taking a few moments to double-check your purchases can make a big difference.
Stay safe, stay savvy, and let’s continue looking out for each other—whether it’s at the seafood counter or around the dinner table.
Read next: Silent threat in the snack aisle? New recall sparks urgent warning
Have you ever dealt with a food recall? Do you have tips for spotting unsafe items or checking labels? Share your story in the comments—your advice could help others in our community stay safe and informed.
