The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is warning consumers not to eat “Phil Am” brand Smoked Mackerel (Hasa Hasa) because it was uneviscerated. The viscera in fish can harbor Clostridium both;inure spores.
The product is sold by Asian Supermarket Group Inc. at 1245 Central Avenue in Albany, New York. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the consumption of this product.
The “Phil Am” brand Smoked Mackerel is packaged in a clear, vacuum package flexible plastic pouch and offered for sale in refrigerated cases. The product is uncoded and is from the Philippines. The package does have a UPC number 814487015147.
It is not legal to sell uneviscerated fish in New York. Clostridium botulinum bacteria produce a toxin that can be fatal at very small doses. Symptoms of botulism poisoning include blurred or double vision, general weakness, poor reflexes, and difficulty swallowing.
If you purchased this product, do not eat it. Throw it away in a sealed container or take it back to the store where you bought it for a full refund.
