Recalled Fish Could Cause Botulism

A popular dried Russian fish is being recalled because they could still contain parts of the intestine, which could be potentially harmful for those who consume the food.

Vobla dried fish, processed by S&S Food Inc., a Brooklyn, N.Y., firm, is being recalled because it was not properly eviscerated before processing, the company announced .

The recall includes dried fish Vobla gutted. It is a product of Germany and comes in a coded, plastic vacuum-packed bag with a production code of 21.06.2010, lot # 280610140. The fish was sold nationwide.

Because the Volbla could contain the viscera (the internal organs of the fish) consumers are at risk for botulism poisoning.

As a North Charleston foodborne illness attorney , I advise throwing the product away if you have it, or returning it to the store of purchase for a full refund. The sale of un-eviscerated fish is illegal because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other part, creating a higher risk for botulism poisoning.

Botulism is a rare, serious foodborne illness that can cause paralysis of the muscles. Common symptoms of botulism include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth and muscle weakness.