Several thousand pounds of frozen capelin made by JFC International Inc. are being recalled due to the potential of a bacterial contamination which may lead to botulism. No illnesses have been reported so far. The Los Angeles-based company said consumers should not eat the product, even if it smells or looks fine. Around 540 cartons of capelin total, approximately 8 pounds in each carton, were sold to restaurants and stores nationwide from September-December. Botulism is a food borne illness which may be life-threatening.
The affected capelin was produced by a plant in Vietnam. “Shishamo ‘Imura” is printed on the wrapped Styrofoam tray containing the frozen fish. The contamination was discovered through routing testing conducted by New York state authorities. According to news reports, they say the fish was improperly eviscerated before processing. I hope everyone checks to see if they own the affected fish.
Botulism can be very serious. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, breathing difficulty, difficulty swallowing, double vision, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and weakness with paralysis. Doctors will diagnose botulism if there are signs of absent or decreased deep tendon reflexes, gag reflex, eyelid drooping, muscle functioning loss, paralyzed bowel, impaired speech, and urine retention along with the inability to urinate.
