On December 10, 2011, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a warning about batches of “Bos” brand herring fillets because of possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria is very dangerous and produces a toxin that can cause death with just 50 nanograms. That amount is about the size of 50 human cells.
Product details:
- Bos brand “Naturally Smoked Herring Fillets – Natural”
- Sold refrigerated in different weight packages
- From Ramaker’s Imports in St. Catharines, Ontario
- No “Best Before” date on the package
- Sold from September 2011 to December 7, 2011
Any customers who bought refrigerated Bos brand “Naturally Smoked Herring Fillets – Natural” without a “Best Before” date on the package from any other retail outlet should not eat it.
Clostridium botulinum is a dangerous bacteria because it has no smell or taste. It produces the botulism toxin under anerobic (no-oxygen) environments, such as in canned foods. Foods contaminated with Clostridium botulinum do not look, smell, or taste spoiled. The bacteria produces spores which are not destroyed under high temperatures.
Botulism poisoning symptoms include: difficulty speaking, vision problems, difficulty swallowing, upset stomach, abdominal cramps, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. If symptoms are caught early, botulism poisoning can be treated, but nerve problems can persist for years.
Never taste any food that you suspect has been spoiled. Never taste food from cans that are bulging, misshapen, leaking, or with broken seals or cracks.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. For more information, call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 from 8 am to 8 pm EST, Monday through Friday.
