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D&M Smoked Fish Inc., doing business as Haifa Smoked Fish, is recalling about 560 pounds of cold smoked sprats over possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum. The FDA says all lots are included and the product was distributed in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania; no illnesses had been reported as of the October 27 announcement.

D&M Smoked Fish Inc., doing business as Haifa Smoked Fish, is recalling approximately 560 pounds of cold smoked sprats because of potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that can cause botulism. The FDA announcement says the product was sold in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, all lots are covered, and no illnesses had been reported as of October 27, 2026.

The company said the sprats were packed loose in bulk cardboard boxes labeled “Cold Smoked Sprats” and shipped refrigerated. The product was distributed through retail stores. The announcement does not provide a brand name, identifying lot codes or specific package sizes; it says all lots are included in the recall.

According to the FDA, an inspection at D&M Smoked Fish Inc. in Jamaica, New York, found the firm was producing cold-smoked sprats without required food-safety controls to prevent C. botulinum growth and toxin formation. The agency’s recall listing posts the company’s announcement as a public service and says that posting does not mean the FDA endorses the product or the company.

Consumers who purchased the sprats are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The company lists 718-523-8899 for questions, with calls accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. The recall notice says consumers should not use the product even if it looks or smells normal.

At a glance
announcementWhen: Announced October 27, 2026
The developmentHaifa Smoked Fish recalled all lots of its cold smoked sprats after an FDA inspection found the product was made without required controls to prevent potential Clostridium botulinum growth and toxin formation.

Why the Sprat Recall Matters

Botulism is a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, and the notice warns that a product can present a risk without visible spoilage or an unusual smell. That warning is especially relevant because the recalled fish was distributed in bulk packaging, which may make it harder for consumers to match what they bought to a retail label or lot code. The notice identifies no lot exceptions: every lot of the described product is covered.

The FDA’s inspection finding concerns the production controls intended to prevent bacterial growth and toxin formation. It does not establish that every package contains toxin, and the recall notice reports no illnesses to date. Still, because the possible hazard can lead to severe illness, the company and agency are advising consumers not to eat the product and to seek a refund rather than relying on appearance or smell.

People who may have eaten the sprats should be alert to the symptoms listed in the notice, including general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and difficulty speaking or swallowing. Difficulty breathing, weakness in other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also occur. The company’s notice says anyone experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

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FDA Inspection Behind the Recall

The FDA page classifies the matter as a food recall related to potential foodborne illness and names D&M Smoked Fish Inc. dba Haifa Smoked Fish Inc. as the company. The company’s announcement identifies the affected item as cold smoked sprat fish, sold without a named brand, and says it was shipped refrigerated to retail stores in three states: New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

The stated basis for the recall is potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum. The FDA says its inspection at the firm’s Jamaica, New York, operation revealed production without the required controls to prevent the bacterium from growing and forming toxin. The available announcement does not give further inspection findings, explain how the affected quantity was calculated, or identify the individual stores that received the product.

“Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.”

— Haifa Smoked Fish, in the company announcement posted by the FDA

What the Notice Does Not Identify

The recall announcement does not name the retail stores, provide dates of sale, or give package-level identifiers beyond the product description and bulk cardboard box labeling. Because all lots are included, consumers should not assume a package is excluded because it lacks a particular lot code. The notice also does not state whether any recalled product remains on store shelves or how much may have reached consumers.

The potential contamination is not described as confirmed in every package. The reported FDA inspection found missing food-safety controls that could prevent C. botulinum growth and toxin formation; the available material does not provide laboratory results or a count of affected packages. The company reported no illnesses at the time of the announcement, but later developments are not covered by that statement.

Returns and Consumer Follow-Up

Consumers who have the described cold smoked sprats should not eat them and should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund, as the company advises. Those unable to identify the seller or seeking further information can call 718-523-8899 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time. The notice does not say how consumers should dispose of the product if returning it is not possible.

Anyone experiencing symptoms listed in the announcement after eating the product should seek immediate medical attention. The recall page provides no reported illness cases as of October 27. Further information, such as additional distribution details or updates to the illness status, would depend on subsequent company or agency notices; none is specified in the material provided.

Key Questions

Which product is being recalled?

The recall covers Cold Smoked Sprat Fish sold under no named brand, packed loose in bulk cardboard boxes labeled “Cold Smoked Sprats.” The company says all lots are included.

Where was the recalled fish distributed?

The company says it was distributed through retail stores in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The notice does not list the individual stores.

What should consumers do with the sprats?

Do not eat the product, even if it looks and smells normal. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, or contact Haifa Smoked Fish at 718-523-8899 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time.

What symptoms does the recall notice list?

The notice lists weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble speaking or swallowing. It also mentions difficulty breathing, weakness in other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation. Anyone experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

Have illnesses been reported?

The company announcement says no illnesses had been reported as of October 27, 2026. That is the status in the notice and does not establish whether any later reports have been made.

Source: fda.gov

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