The company New Hoque & Sons Inc. is recalling packages of “Dry Ghoinnya Fish” after the product was found to be “uneviscerated,” an alert posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned.
Newsweek reached out to New Hoque & Sons Inc. via phone on Thursday for comment, but was unable to leave a voicemail.
Why It Matters
Numerous public health alerts and recalls have been issued this year due to the potential for damaged products, foodborne illness, contamination, and undeclared food allergens.
Millions of Americans experience food sensitivities or allergies every year. According to the FDA, the nine “major” food allergens in the United States are eggs, milk, fish, wheat, soybeans, crustacean shellfish, sesame, tree nuts and peanuts.
“Uneviscerated fish have been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning,” the FDA alert warns, adding that potential symptoms could include blurred or double vision, dizziness, and trouble speaking or swallowing.
What To Know
The recalled product was distributed in retail stores nationwide and is sold in a clear plastic package with an expiration date of May 19, 2025, which is visible at the bottom of the bag. It has a UPC code number of 908172635412.
Selling uneviscerated fish under New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations is prohibited due to the likelihood that Clostridium botulinum spores are potentially more concentrated there, the FDA alert said.
As of Wednesday, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the recalled product.
What People Are Saying
The FDA alert, in part: “The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory staff revealed the product was not properly eviscerated prior to processing.”
The FDA told Newsweek in January: “Most recalls in the U.S. are carried out voluntarily by the product manufacturer and when a company issues a public warning, typically via news release, to inform the public of a voluntary product recall, the FDA shares that release on our website as a public service.
“The FDA’s role during a voluntary, firm-initiated, recall is to review the recall strategy, evaluate the health hazard presented by the product, monitor the recall, and as appropriate alert the public and other companies in the supply chain about the recall.”
It added: “The FDA provides public access to information on recalls by posting a listing of recalls according to their classification in the FDA Enforcement Report, including the specific action taken by the recalling company. The FDA Enforcement Report is designed to provide a public listing of products in the marketplace that are being recalled.”
What Happens Next
Customers who have purchased the recalled “Dry Ghoinnya Fish” are urged to return it to the original place of purchase for a refund, the alert says. People with other questions may contact New Hoque & Sons Inc. via phone at (718) 391-0992.
Additional information on recalls can be found on the FDA’s website in the Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts section.
