Health fear prompts salmon recall in America


The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that ten lots of smoked salmon by the Mill Stream Corporation (or Sullivan Harbour Farm) is being ‘voluntarily recalled’ over concerns that it could be contaminated with a life-threatening bacteria.

The products being recalled were sold in vacuum-sealed packaging between March 6, 2019 and September 17, 2019. They come in the following sizes: whole salmon side, 1ib, 2 ib, 8 oz and 4 oz; they carry the following lot numbers: 7049, 7050, 7051, 7052, 7054, 7056, 7058, 7060, 7062, 7066.

The recall was prompted after water phase salt (WPS) levels tested below 3.5 per cent. Before this, WPS levels were incorrectly marked.

It’s believed a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum may have the potential to infect the salmon and cause a life-threatening food poisoning. The following symptoms may become apparent: weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. The FDA advises anyone experiencing those symptoms to seek medical assistance immediately.

The products were sold under various through retail, wholesale and online throughout the United States, including: 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.

No illnesses have yet been reported.

The advice is that if your product has been refrigerated then it should be disposed of immediately even if it doesn’t look or smell spoiled. Those who bought the product frozen are advised to keep it so until ready to thaw immediately before use.