The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has issued a warning and recall for eviscerated fish. These dried eviscerated fish products were discovered in retail locations around the Brooklyn Park, Minnesota area. Internal organs in these products, if not removed properly, can cause a potentially deadly botulism infection. The recalled fish products were sold in three stores, including African International Market in Brooklyn Park, Fountains African Food Market in Crystal, and Value Foods African Market in Brooklyn Park. They were sold in two varieties: pike and bony fish.
Botulism is caused by a group of bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum. Botulism is a very rare form of foodborne illness in the United States, only causing 145 cases annually on average. Only a small amount of bacteria is necessary to cause illness. Botulism is a very serious disease, and health officials have recommended that anyone in possession of the recalled products dispose of them immediately. Symptoms of Botulism poisoning appear between 12 and 36 hours after infection and include dry mouth, facial weakness, vision problems, abdominal cramps, vomiting, trouble breathing, and paralysis. If you or a loved one begin to show the symptoms of Botulism poisoning, contact a medical professional.
