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Haifa Smoked Fish Recalls 560 lb of Cold‑Smoked Sprats Over Botulism Risk

New YorkBusiness & Corporate
Haifa Smoked Fish Recalls 560 lb of Cold‑Smoked Sprats Over Botulism Risk

Haifa Smoked Fish, a company based in Queens, New York, announced a recall of roughly 560 pounds of its cold‑smoked sprats on October 27, 2026. The FDA flagged the product because it may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism, a potentially fatal food‑borne illness.

What the Recall Covers

The recall includes all lots of the product that were packed loose in bulk cardboard boxes and shipped refrigerated. The sprats were distributed through retail stores in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. No illnesses have been reported so far.

What to Do If You Have the Recalled Sprats
  1. 1Stop using the product immediately
  2. 2Return it to the store for a full refund
  3. 3Call Haifa Smoked Fish at 718‑523‑8899 for questions
  4. 4Seek medical attention if you develop botulism symptoms

Source: FDA (recalls)

Health Risks of Botulism

Botulism can lead to general weakness, dizziness, double vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms may include abdominal distension and constipation. Because the toxin can be life‑threatening, anyone experiencing these signs after eating the sprats should seek immediate medical care.

What Consumers Should Do

If you bought the cold‑smoked sprats, stop using them immediately, even if they look and smell normal. Return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. For questions, you can call Haifa Smoked Fish at 718‑523‑8899 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST.

Regulatory Action and Why It Matters

The FDA inspected D&M Smoked Fish Inc. in Jamaica, New York, and found the firm was making cold‑smoked sprats without the required safety controls to prevent botulinum growth and toxin formation. This inspection prompted the recall. While the FDA’s role is to protect public health, recalls like this illustrate how food manufacturers must follow strict safety standards, and failures can lead to product withdrawals and potential liability.

Anyone who thinks they may have consumed the recalled sprats and feels ill should contact a healthcare provider right away. Consulting an attorney can be helpful if you suffer injury or incur medical expenses, as you may have legal options for compensation.

What this means: our conclusions

1 Good news1 Risk1 What to watch2 What to do
  1. Good newsPublic health protection is reinforced

    The FDA’s swift action shows regulators are monitoring food safety and can act quickly to prevent illness.

  2. RiskConsumers bear the inconvenience

    Buyers must discard a product they may have already paid for, which can be frustrating and costly.

  3. What to watchPotential liability for the producer

    If anyone becomes ill, Haifa Smoked Fish could face lawsuits for damages, highlighting the risk of non‑compliance.

  4. What to doStay alert for future recalls

    This case underscores the importance of checking recall notices, especially for refrigerated foods.

  5. What to doConsider legal counsel if harmed

    Anyone who experiences botulism symptoms after eating the sprats should talk to a lawyer about possible compensation.

Primary sources & the law

This article is general information based on FDA (recalls) and court or agency records available at publication time. It is not legal advice; laws and deadlines differ by state and by case. Published October 27, 2026.

Source: FDA (recalls)

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