JUNEAU, AK – Interior Alaska Fish Processors, Inc. in Fairbanks has issued a recall of smoked salmon products due to possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum.
Botulism is a potentially fatal form of food poisoning that can cause general weakness, paralysis, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Other common symptoms include difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distension and constipation. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.
DEC has issued this supplemental notice of additional lot numbers subject to the recall. The recall includes custom processed products in addition to commercially processed products.
The recalled products include all hot-smoked, vacuum-packaged salmon products processed by Santa’s Smokehouse since December 2011 that have labels indicating that the products can be kept under refrigeration.
The recalled products may have batch numbers ranging from #408 through #457. The primary product label shows Santa’s Smokehouse Gourmet Smoked Salmon, the incorrect holding statement, “Keep refrigerated below 38° F,” a handwritten batch number, and a product description of “original,” “honey,” “garlic,” “sweet and sour,” “teriyaki,” “tropical,” or “Cajun.” A supplemental label on the back side of the product may include either the proper holding statement, “KEEP FROZEN, THAW UNDER REFRIGERATION IMMEDIATELY BEFORE USE” or another label that reads, “KEEP FROZEN, THAW UNDER REFRIGERATION.”
Alaska’s DEC has confirmed these products have been distributed in and around the Fairbanks area. Additionally, the firm fills online orders through their website at: http://www.santassmokehouse.com.
To date, there have been no reported illnesses.
Consumers who have purchased affected Santa’s Smokehouse seafood products should discard or return them to the place of purchase. Media or consumers with questions should contact Janet McCormick at Interior Alaska Fish Processors, Inc. at 800-478-3885 or 907-456-3885.
For more information on recalls affecting Alaskans, visit DEC’s website: http://www.dec.alaska.gov/eh/fss/recalls/recallsalerts.html.
Source: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation