June 3, 2021 – The Kane County Health Department is advising that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Banner Smoked Fish, Inc. of Brooklyn, NY is voluntarily recalling its smoked fish of all products within expiry, in all package sizes, all package types and all lots.
The recall is because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The product comes in various sizes in both air pack and vacuum packages. The lot number or sell by date are placed on the back of the package. The recalled smoked fish were distributed through retails and distributions, also online purchasing in NY, NJ, IL, PA, CA, FL, NE, AZ, MA, MD, VA, NV, OR, WI, NC, SC, and GA area.
The products were found to be processed under unsanitary conditions. The problem was discovered through FDA routine inspection. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
Consumers who have purchased these items are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (718) 449 – 1400 from 8 AM – 4 PM EST.
For more information, and information on product details, visit https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/banner-smoked-fish-recalls-smoked-fish-products-because-possible-health-risk.
The Kane County Health Department has an abundance of information about food safety online at KaneHealth.com/Pages/Food-Safety.aspx.
COURTESY KANE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT