Undeclared Sulfites in “Shad Raisins” and Possible Botulism Contamination in “Frozen Salted Croaker.”

Please see the attached two consumer alerts from the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets for Undeclared Sulfites in “Shad Raisins” and Possible Botulism Contamination in “Frozen Salted Croaker.”
CONTACT: FOR RELEASE:
Jessica Chittenden Immediately, Monday
518-457-3136 October 6, 2008
***CONSUMER ALERT***
Undeclared Sulfites in “Shad Raisins”
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Fatima Brothers Inc. of 54-08 43rd St Maspeth, New York 11378 is recalling "Shad Raisins" due to the presence of undeclared sulfites. People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites may run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.
The recalled "Shad Raisins" were packaged in uncoded, 7-ounce plastic bags. “Shad Raisins” were distributed in New York City.
Routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the product contained high levels of sulfites which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites.
No illnesses have been reported to date to this Department in connection with this product. Consumers who have purchased "Shad Raisins" should return them to the place of purchase.
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CONTACT: FOR RELEASE:
Jessica Chittenden Immediately, Monday
518-457-3136 October 6, 2008
***CONSUMER ALERT***
Possible Botulism Contamination in “Frozen Salted Croaker”
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.