Latest news with #P.EastTradingCorp
Newsweek
25-06-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Fish Recall Update for 3 States as FDA Sets Highest Risk Level
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Food inspectors have designated the highest risk level to a recall of fish feared to be contaminated with bacterium that causes a rare, life-threatening condition. P. East Trading Corp. voluntarily recalled 81 cases of Salted Smoked Split Herring—or kippers—distributed across retail locations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut because of the potential for contamination with clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for botulism, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in a company press release on June 10. The FDA classified the recall as Class I, its highest risk level for food recalls, on Tuesday. The fish, distributed under the description "Salted Smoked Split Herring," was sold in 18-pound wooden boxes and was often repackaged. No illnesses connected to the recall have been reported as of June 10, the company said. Newsweek contacted P. East Trading Corp. for comment on Wednesday. Stock picture of smoked herring fish fillet on wooden board with herbs. Stock picture of smoked herring fish fillet on wooden board with herbs. Getty Images Why It Matters The recall raised health concerns in the three states because uneviscerated fish over five inches in length are known to be susceptible to contamination with clostridium botulinum spores, posing a potentially fatal health risk to consumers. Botulism can cause severe symptoms, including paralysis and death, and toxins may be present even if the product appears normal, according to the FDA. What To Know "The product was likely to be repacked by these retail locations in deli-style or other retail packaging," the June 10 recall notice said. A list of locations that received and potentially sold the recalled products can be found here. The affected product carries code Lot 1PRC5073 and was manufactured by Sea Star Seafood Ltd. of Canada, the FDA's announcement said. P. East Trading Corp., located in the Bronx, New York, issued the voluntary recall following analysis by New York State Food Laboratory personnel, who said the fish was not properly eviscerated. FDA documentation says that sale of uneviscerated fish longer than 5 inches is especially risky because of the concentration of C. botulinum spores in fish viscera. The recall covers 81 cases in total, the FDA said. The FDA classified the recall as Class I, meaning there is a reasonable probability that eating the product will cause health problems or death (FDA Import Alert #16-74). Consumers are advised not to eat the fish, even if it does not look or smell spoiled, because toxins produced by C. botulinum are undetectable via appearance or taste. The product was sold through a wide network of supermarket and specialty food retailers in the tri-state area. Locations that received the product include multiple outlets in major cities and suburban communities, such as Pioneer Supermarket (Newark, New Jersey), Joe's Market #3 (Irvington, New Jersey), Keyfood Supermarket (Laurelton, New York), Happy Fruit Market (Teaneck, New Jersey), Food Bazaar Supermarkets, C Town Supermarkets, Ideal Food Basket and dozens more. Botulism Symptoms Symptoms of botulism include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, speech or swallowing difficulties, muscle weakness, abdominal distension and constipation. Immediate medical attention is urged for people who experience such symptoms following fish consumption. The FDA maintains ongoing import alerts against uneviscerated or partially eviscerated fish because of the high risk for botulism outbreaks. Historical data show that improperly processed fish have caused multiple severe and sometimes fatal outbreaks in the U.S. and globally, notably among immigrants and ethnic communities with traditional fish preservation methods. Proper evisceration and processing are mandated in the U.S. to control C. botulinum, and the FDA requires manufacturers to maintain appropriate Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plans to verify products' safety before releasing them to the American market. What Happens Next Consumers who bought the fish are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. The company provided a direct contact—Jay Hong, office manager, at (718) 991-6070 or peastl@ further information.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent recall for fish sold in multiple states that could leave customers PARALYZED
Fish sold in multiple states has been recalled over fears it could contain paralyzing bacteria. P. East Trading Corp is recalling cases of herring that were distributed across general stores in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The company, based in Bronx, New York, sent out the product in 18lb wooden boxes marked with the container code 'Lot 1 PRC5073'. The recall was sparked after food safety inspectors found the fish measured more than 5in in length and were uneviscerated, meaning they had not had their internal organs removed. This heightens the risk of the meat carrying bacteria that causes botulism, a rare food-borne pathogen that attacks the body's nerves. It is more commonly found in internal organs, especially the intestines, of fish. Botulism can lead to full-body paralysis, including in muscles needed to breathe, making it fatal in rare cases. Consumers are warned not to consume the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. No illnesses have been reported in relation to the recall. The FDA urges any customers with symptoms such as muscle weakness, dizziness, slurred speech, abdominal swelling, constipation, difficulty breathing, and paralysis to seek medical attention immediately. The authorities note that the fish - which is a product of Canada, caught in the cold waters of the Atlantic, and manufactured by Sea Star Seafood Ltd - might be difficult to spot, as it was likely repackaged at the retail locations it was distributed to. Retail packaging and coding will vary based on location of purchase but the FDA has released a full list of the stores it was sent to, which totals more than 75. No major retailers are included in the list, which is mainly made up of independent stores. Symptoms of foodborne botulism usually appear within 12 to 36 hours of consuming contaminated food, but the range can be from a few hours to several days. Botulism is caused by a toxin released by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which is normally found in spores in soil, marine areas, and on the surface of foods like fruits, vegetables, and seafood. Fermented foods like wine and low-acid foods such as most vegetables, meats, and fish, are the most likely culprits. The bacteria make spores, which act like protective coatings and are usually harmless. However, warm and wet tight spaces lacking oxygen - such as metal cans or plastic jars - can cause the bacteria to release toxins that attack the central nervous system. Botulism targets the body's nerves and can lead to paralysis, including in the muscles needed to breathe. This makes five to 10 percent of cases fatal. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, double vision, drooping eyelids, blurry vision, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and trouble moving the eyes. The CDC estimates there are just 200 cases of botulism in the US every year, and 25 are from food, making it rare. Other causes include infections and, rarely, injecting too much botulinum toxin used in Botox. Consumers are urged to contact P. East Trading Corp to learn how to dispose of affected products and determine steps like being reimbursed.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Riley supporting loan forgiveness for volunteer first responders
WASHINGTON, FC (WIVT/WBGH) — Congressman Josh Riley is making sure volunteer heroes receive the respect and support that they deserve. Riley announced his co-sponsorship of the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Emergency Situations, or HEROES, Act. The initiative is a bipartisan bill that would extend eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to include volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders. 'If you've put on the gear and answered the call, you shouldn't be buried in debt,' said Riley. 'The HEROES Act gives volunteer firefighters the respect they've earned by making their service count toward student loan forgiveness. They don't do it for the money—they do it because they love their communities and want to keep their neighbors safe.' According to Riley, the HEROES Act would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to recognize the service of unpaid emergency responders as qualifying public service under the PSLF program, making them eligible for federal student loan forgiveness after ten years of service and qualifying payments. Riley supporting loan forgiveness for volunteer first responders P. East Trading Corp recalls Salted Smoked Split Herring 'It Ain't Necessarily So' discusses American Black history A mix of sun and showers today News 34 Pizza Week returns Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
