On Nov. 6, the FDA announced that Mill Stream Corp (Sullivan Harbor Farm) of Hancock, Maine, is voluntarily recalling 10 lots of its cold smoked salmon because of the risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, a form of food poisoning that can lead to severe symptoms and even death.
The potential contamination of the fish was discovered because the product’s water phase salt (WPS) tested below 3.5%, which is an indication that it must remain frozen until ready to consume. If the product is stored in the refrigerator after thawing, it can become contaminated.
So far, no illnesses associated with the product have been reported.
The affected products were sold in vacuum-sealed packages in 2-pound, 1-pound, 8-ounce and 4-ounce sizes. They were sold between March 6, 2019 and Sept. 17, 2019 with the following lot numbers, which can be found on the back of the packages: 7049, 7050, 7051, 7052, 7054, 7056, 7058, 7060, 7062, 7066.
These products were sold at retail establishments as well as through wholesale and online orders in the following states: Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Utah, Iowa, Tennessee, Minnesota, Colorado, Florida, Arizona, Wisconsin, Washington, Georgia, Illinois, Virginia, Michigan and Texas.
Although Mill Stream Corp sold the affected product frozen, it may have been thawed by retailers before consumer purchase. Consumers who purchased it frozen are advised to keep it frozen. It should be thawed under refrigeration immediately prior to use.
Those who have an affected refrigerated product should dispose of it immediately. Even if the product does not look or smell spoiled, consumers are advised not to eat it.
Consumers can contact the company with questions by phone at 207-266, 0621, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
Botulism attacks the body’s nerves and can cause muscle weakness and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include blurred vision, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, a dry mouth and a thick-tongue feeling.
Symptoms typically appear 18 to 36 hours after consuming an affected food, but they can appear as soon as six hours after eating or up to 10 days later. If you are experiencing any of the associated symptoms, you should seek medical care immediately.
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