LA STAR SEAFOOD CO, INC. RECALLS DRY and SMOKED VOBLA FISH BECAUSE of POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK

Contact:
Consumer
(213) 687-6558

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 24, 2012- LA Star Seafood Co. Inc., Los Angeles, CA is recalling Vobla Dry and Vobla Smoked because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

The sale of improperly eviscerated fish, 5 inches in length or greater, is prohibited 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 which may pose a potentially life-threatening health hazard. Symptoms of botulism include blurred or double vision, general weakness, poor reflexes, difficulty swallowing and respiratory paralysis which may lead to death. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

The following products are recalled:

• Vobla Dry, 20lb bulk boxes, not vacuum packed, no lot numbers or expiration dates.
• Vobla Smoked, 20lb bulk boxes, not vacuum packed, no lot numbers or expiration dates.

Products were distributed and sold at: Arbat Store, Utah; European Importing, Russian Import, and M and M Market, Northern California; Golden Farms Market, Karabagh Market, and Tashkent Market, Southern California; Global Importing, Oregon; Solomon’s Groceries and Europa, Colorado.

Customers who may have purchased the above products from February 28, 2012 to April 23, 2012 are urged to destroy or return the products to the place of purchase.

There have not been any reported cases of illness related to these products.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration revealed the problem from a retail inspection and notified our firm that the Vobla Dry and Vobla Smoked were being sold in stores that have not been eviscerated.  This recall was initiated with the knowledge of the FDA.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at (213) 687-6558, Monday-Friday, 9AM-1PM PST.

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