Fish by Kosher Companies Recalled Because of Listeria

By COLlive reporter

Banner Smoked Fish 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 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Wednesday.

The recall is because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that 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 FDA said.

The recalled smoked fish were distributed through retails and distributions, also online purchasing in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania, California, Florida, Nebraska, Arizona, Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, Nevada, Oregon, Wisconsin, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Banner provides fish to many Jewish-owned and kosher labels such as Benz’s, Raskin’s, Flaum, Tuv Taam, Pomegranate, Golden Taste, Bingo and more. Products of these brands are popular in Jewish homes on Shabbos, as well as kiddushim in shuls and yeshivos.

The product comes in various sizes in both air packs and vacuum packages. The lot number or sell-by date are placed on the back of the package.

The products were found to be processed under unsanitary conditions, the FDA said. 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.