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Haifa Smoked Fish is recalling about 560 pounds of cold smoked sprats because the product may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause potentially fatal botulism. The recall covers all lots distributed to retail stores in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania; no illnesses had been reported as of the company announcement.
Haifa Smoked Fish is recalling about 560 pounds of cold smoked sprats because the fish may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that can cause botulism, according to a company announcement posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on October 27, 2026. The recall covers all lots distributed through retail stores in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania; no illnesses had been reported when the announcement was issued.
The product is identified as Cold Smoked Sprat Fish and was sold without a brand name. It was packed loose in bulk cardboard boxes, shipped refrigerated and distributed to retail stores in the three states. The company says all lots are included in the recall, rather than only particular dates or batches.
The FDA said its inspection at D&M Smoked Fish Inc., doing business as Haifa Smoked Fish, in Jamaica, New York, found that the firm was producing cold-smoked sprats without required food-safety controls to prevent Clostridium botulinum growth and toxin formation. The announcement identifies potential contamination as the reason for the recall; it does not say that testing confirmed toxin in a particular package.
Consumers who purchased the sprats are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The company advises people not to eat or use the fish even if it appears normal or does not smell spoiled. Consumers with questions can call 718-523-8899 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time, according to the announcement.
Botulism Risk in Smoked Fish
The concern is serious because botulism can be life-threatening, and the company warns that a potentially contaminated product may not look or smell spoiled. Consumers should not use appearance or odor to decide whether recalled fish is safe. The recall applies to every lot of the listed product, so checking a batch number alone will not rule out the risk.
The announcement lists possible symptoms including general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and difficulty speaking or swallowing. Breathing difficulty, weakness in other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also occur. The company says people experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. The FDA announcement reported no illnesses to date, but that status does not establish that the product is safe to eat.
For consumers in the affected states, the practical steps are to avoid eating the sprats, return them for a refund and contact a health professional promptly if concerning symptoms occur. The announcement does not provide a separate instruction about disposal, so people with questions about handling the product can contact the company or relevant health authorities.
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FDA Inspection and Recall Scope
The FDA page describes the recall as a company announcement posted as a public service. It states that the agency does not endorse the product or company by posting such announcements. The agency also reports that it initiated an inspection at the firm’s Jamaica, New York, operation, where inspectors found that required controls to prevent the bacterium’s growth and toxin formation were not in place during production.
The product was shipped refrigerated and sold through retail stores in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The announcement does not list individual retailers, package dates, lot codes, or quantities by state. It identifies the affected product by its description and bulk-box packaging, and says all lots are covered. The company named in the notice is D&M Smoked Fish Inc. dba Haifa Smoked Fish Inc.
“Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.”
— Haifa Smoked Fish, in its recall announcement
Product Testing and Exposure Details
The announcement identifies a potential contamination risk and reports an inspection finding about missing production controls. It does not say that Clostridium botulinum or its toxin was detected in a specific sample, nor does it give test results, the dates the sprats were sold, or the names of retailers that carried them. It also does not provide a breakdown of the recalled quantity by state.
No illnesses had been reported at the time of the notice, but the announcement does not provide a later case count or say whether any consumers had contacted the company or authorities. The available information also does not explain what corrective actions the firm may have taken or whether further regulatory steps are planned.
Return the Fish and Seek Advice
People who have the described cold smoked sprats should not eat or use them and should return them to the retailer for a full refund, as the company requests. Because the recall covers all lots, consumers should not assume a package is outside the recall based on a lot number. Questions can be directed to Haifa Smoked Fish at 718-523-8899 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Anyone experiencing symptoms listed in the notice, particularly difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing, should seek immediate medical attention. The FDA announcement does not state a date for a follow-up update. Consumers should check for additional notices from the company or FDA for any changes to the recall information, illness status or instructions.
Key Questions
Which product is being recalled?
The recall covers Cold Smoked Sprat Fish sold without a brand name. It was packed loose in bulk cardboard boxes and shipped refrigerated. All lots are included.
Where was the product distributed?
The sprats were distributed through retail stores in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The announcement does not name specific stores.
What should consumers do if they bought the sprats?
Do not eat or use the product, even if it looks and smells normal. The company urges consumers to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
What symptoms does the announcement associate with botulism?
The notice lists weakness, dizziness, double vision, and difficulty speaking or swallowing. It also mentions breathing difficulty, weakness in other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.
Have any illnesses been reported?
The company announcement said no illnesses had been reported to date when it was issued on October 27, 2026. That statement reflects the information available at that time and does not establish that the product is safe.
Source: primary
