Foremost Foods International, Inc., based in Pomona, CA, has issued a recall for several milkfish products, including Pamana Premium Marinated Bangus, Pamana Premium Marinated Baby Bangus, and Pamana Premium Bangus Belly, due to potential growth of Clostridium botulinum and toxin formation.
The frozen milkfish, packaged in reduced oxygen conditions, lacks instructions for proper freezing and thawing, posing a potential health risk. The recall, initiated on December 1, 2023, remains ongoing, as reported by the FDA.
The affected products were distributed to supermarkets in California, Hawaii, Washington, Illinois, Nevada, and Texas in the United States.
Recalled Products:
Pamana Premium Marinated Bangus (Deboned Marinated Milkfish), Net Weight to be Weighed at Time of Sale
Product Quantity: 407 boxes
Pamana Premium Marinated Baby Bangus (Deboned Marinated Baby Milkfish), Net Weight to be Weighed at Time of Sale
Product Quantity: 432 boxes
Pamana Premium Bangus Belly (Cut Deboned Milkfish Belly), 340 g (120 oz)
Product Quantity: 448 boxes
Consumers are advised to discard the recalled products or return them to the place of purchase.
Botulism, a severe illness resulting from consuming under-processed food, is a primary concern associated with these products. Botulism poisoning can lead to muscle paralysis, particularly affecting the muscles necessary for breathing, which may result in sudden death.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends immediate medical attention for anyone who has consumed the recalled products and shows signs of botulism poisoning. Symptoms typically manifest within 18 to 36 hours after ingestion but may appear as early as 6 hours or up to 10 days later.
Symptoms of botulism include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, a thick-feeling tongue, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. It’s important to note that individuals with botulism poisoning may not exhibit all symptoms simultaneously.
The progression of the disease, if left untreated, can lead to worsening symptoms and paralysis of specific muscles, including those essential for breathing and those in the arms, legs, and the body from the neck to the pelvis area.