Consumer Alert: Possible Botulism Contamination in "Frozen Salted Croaker"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- October 6, 2008 -- New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers not to eat "Frozen Salted Croaker" distributed by YS Trading Corp of 38-21 23rd Street, Long Island City, New York 11101 because the product was uneviscerated.

The "Frozen Salted Croaker" was sold in Hicksville, New York, Flushing, New York, and New Jersey in un-coded, unlabeled plastic bags.

Uneviscerated fish is prohibited under New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets' regulations because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish has been linked to outbreaks of Botulism poisoning.

Because the fish is uneviscerated, the product may become contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause Botulism, a serious and potentially fatal food-borne illness. Symptoms of Botulism include blurred or double vision, general weakness, poor reflexes, difficulty swallowing and respiratory paralysis.

The "Frozen Salted Croaker" was found by a New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets food inspector during a routine inspection. Subsequent analysis by New York State Food Laboratory personnel confirmed the product to be uneviscerated.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the product. Consumers who have this product are advised not to eat it.