FOOD RECALL — ALL LOTS
Cold-Smoked Sprats Sold in New York Are Recalled for Botulism Risk
The fish may have no consumer-facing brand label: it was packed loose in bulk cardboard boxes, shipped refrigerated and distributed through retail stores in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Every lot is included.
If you bought loose cold-smoked sprats, do not eat them—even if the fish looks or smells normal. D&M Smoked Fish Inc., doing business as Haifa Smoked Fish Inc., says consumers should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
The October 27 announcement says about 560 pounds are covered. The company initiated the recall after an FDA inspection found the fish was produced without required controls intended to prevent growth and toxin formation by Clostridium botulinum. The announcement reports no illnesses as of October 27; that dated statement is not a guarantee that no later illness will be identified.
FDA's posted notice lists possible symptoms including weakness, dizziness, double vision and trouble speaking or swallowing. Difficulty breathing can also occur. The notice says people experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.
The reviewed record confirms New York distribution but does not name a Rockland store, restaurant or patient. That means the recall is a product check—not evidence of a Rockland illness or a claim that every local seafood counter carried the fish. If the seller cannot identify the supplier, do not use appearance or smell to clear the product.
Questions about the recall can be directed to the company at 718-523-8899, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastern time.
The simplest safe rule is also the most important one: loose refrigerated cold-smoked sprats from this supplier are not a lot-by-lot check. Every lot is included.
Primary record checked October 27, 2026, at 12:56 p.m. EDT: FDA-hosted October 27 company announcement ↗. FDA posts company announcements as a public service and does not endorse the product or company. No reviewed record identifies a Rockland seller or illness.