Nationwide fish recall raises botulism concerns—what you need to know
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If you’ve recently bought fish—you may want to take a closer look at your pantry.
A nationwide recall is underway, and it’s not simply a matter of food quality or expiration dates.
This alert is tied to a serious health risk that could lead to life-threatening illness.
The issue centers around how the fish was prepared before it hit store shelves.
Here's what happened, what the risk is, and what steps you should take if you’ve purchased this product.
What’s behind the recall
Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc. USA, a New York-based food importer, has issued a voluntary recall of its Aral Silver Vobla dry salted fish after testing flagged a significant food safety concern.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the fish was sold uneviscerated—meaning the internal organs were not removed before packaging.
The product comes in clear vacuum-sealed bags with a blue label and the marking “Product of Kazakhstan.”
Each package contains two whole fish and has been distributed across retail stores nationwide.
The recall was prompted by routine testing from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, which confirmed that the fish had not been properly gutted.
This is particularly alarming because the internal organs of fish can harbor dangerous bacteria that survive and multiply in vacuum-sealed conditions.
Also read: Massive Coconut Water Recall: Over 2 Million Cans Due to Botulism Risk!
The health risk: botulism
The main concern with uneviscerated fish is the potential growth of Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria responsible for botulism.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a powerful toxin that affects the nervous system.
While cases are uncommon in the US, they require immediate medical treatment and can lead to severe outcomes if left untreated.
Symptoms of foodborne botulism may include:
In extreme cases, botulism can lead to paralysis or death.
The FDA, along with the World Health Organization, emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment.
Also read: URGENT: FDA upgrades recall of canned tuna – now poses severe botulism risk
What the company says
Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc. USA is disputing the findings.
In a statement, the company said, “This is absolutely not true. We gave our fish to an independent laboratory and received an official answer that the fish is clean. We provided all the documents to FDA.”
Despite this, the recall remains active as a precautionary measure to protect public health.
Also read: The shocking truth about Botox gone wrong—how to avoid becoming a victim of complications
What you should do now
If you think you may have purchased the recalled fish, here’s what health officials recommend:
Also read: Are you eating toxic canned goods? Major recall at Trader Joe’s, Walmart—Check your pantry immediately!
Why uneviscerated fish is a problem
When fish aren’t gutted before processing, there’s a higher risk that harmful bacteria can survive inside the packaging.
Vacuum-sealing creates a low-oxygen environment where Clostridium botulinum can thrive if present.
While most dried and salted fish on the market are safe, this incident is a reminder of the importance of proper food handling and storage.
Also read: Double recall alert: FDA flags health risks in popular seafood items
How common is botulism?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne botulism affects only a small number of people in the US each year.
However, when outbreaks occur, they’re often linked to preserved foods—including home-canned goods or improperly processed fish.
That’s why the FDA takes even small potential contamination risks seriously.
Should you avoid dried fish altogether?
Not at all. Dried and salted fish are safe when prepared according to food safety standards.
The key is to buy from trusted brands and always check for up-to-date recall notices.
If a product seems unfamiliar or improperly labeled, it’s best to ask questions or choose an alternative.
Read next: Is it safe to eat honeycomb? Here's what you need to know
Have you experienced a recall like this? Food recalls can be unsettling, especially when they involve items we regularly keep in our kitchens. If you've ever experienced a recall or have tips for staying safe when shopping for preserved or imported foods, we’d love to hear from you.
Your experiences could help others stay informed and make smarter choices!
A nationwide recall is underway, and it’s not simply a matter of food quality or expiration dates.
This alert is tied to a serious health risk that could lead to life-threatening illness.
The issue centers around how the fish was prepared before it hit store shelves.
Here's what happened, what the risk is, and what steps you should take if you’ve purchased this product.
Health officials urge consumers to check their pantry for recalled fish products following a nationwide safety alert. Image Source: Pexels / Javid Hashimov.
What’s behind the recall
Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc. USA, a New York-based food importer, has issued a voluntary recall of its Aral Silver Vobla dry salted fish after testing flagged a significant food safety concern.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the fish was sold uneviscerated—meaning the internal organs were not removed before packaging.
The product comes in clear vacuum-sealed bags with a blue label and the marking “Product of Kazakhstan.”
Each package contains two whole fish and has been distributed across retail stores nationwide.
The recall was prompted by routine testing from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, which confirmed that the fish had not been properly gutted.
This is particularly alarming because the internal organs of fish can harbor dangerous bacteria that survive and multiply in vacuum-sealed conditions.
Also read: Massive Coconut Water Recall: Over 2 Million Cans Due to Botulism Risk!
The health risk: botulism
The main concern with uneviscerated fish is the potential growth of Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria responsible for botulism.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a powerful toxin that affects the nervous system.
While cases are uncommon in the US, they require immediate medical treatment and can lead to severe outcomes if left untreated.
Symptoms of foodborne botulism may include:
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Muscle weakness
- Drooping eyelids or blurred vision
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort
In extreme cases, botulism can lead to paralysis or death.
The FDA, along with the World Health Organization, emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment.
Also read: URGENT: FDA upgrades recall of canned tuna – now poses severe botulism risk
What the company says
Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc. USA is disputing the findings.
In a statement, the company said, “This is absolutely not true. We gave our fish to an independent laboratory and received an official answer that the fish is clean. We provided all the documents to FDA.”
Despite this, the recall remains active as a precautionary measure to protect public health.
The recalled Aral Silver Vobla dry salted fish is sold in vacuum-sealed bags with a blue label marked "Product of Kazakhstan". Image Source: FDA.
Also read: The shocking truth about Botox gone wrong—how to avoid becoming a victim of complications
What you should do now
If you think you may have purchased the recalled fish, here’s what health officials recommend:
- Do not consume the product. If you have Aral Silver Vobla fish with a blue label, dry salted and vacuum-packed, do not eat it—even if it looks or smells fine.
- Return the product. Bring it back to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
- Be alert for symptoms. If you or someone in your household ate the product and begins to show any symptoms listed above, seek medical care immediately.
- Spread the word. Let friends or family know about the recall, especially those who may shop at specialty food stores or regularly buy dried fish.
Also read: Are you eating toxic canned goods? Major recall at Trader Joe’s, Walmart—Check your pantry immediately!
Why uneviscerated fish is a problem
When fish aren’t gutted before processing, there’s a higher risk that harmful bacteria can survive inside the packaging.
Vacuum-sealing creates a low-oxygen environment where Clostridium botulinum can thrive if present.
While most dried and salted fish on the market are safe, this incident is a reminder of the importance of proper food handling and storage.
Also read: Double recall alert: FDA flags health risks in popular seafood items
How common is botulism?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne botulism affects only a small number of people in the US each year.
However, when outbreaks occur, they’re often linked to preserved foods—including home-canned goods or improperly processed fish.
That’s why the FDA takes even small potential contamination risks seriously.
Should you avoid dried fish altogether?
Not at all. Dried and salted fish are safe when prepared according to food safety standards.
The key is to buy from trusted brands and always check for up-to-date recall notices.
If a product seems unfamiliar or improperly labeled, it’s best to ask questions or choose an alternative.
Read next: Is it safe to eat honeycomb? Here's what you need to know
Have you experienced a recall like this? Food recalls can be unsettling, especially when they involve items we regularly keep in our kitchens. If you've ever experienced a recall or have tips for staying safe when shopping for preserved or imported foods, we’d love to hear from you.
Your experiences could help others stay informed and make smarter choices!
