Recall: Big Blue Fisheries, LLC, Recalls Smoked Fish Products

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary W. Black is alerting Georgians to the recall of select lots of smoked fish products produced by Big Blue Fisheries, LLC, a Sitka, Alaska-based company. Big Blue Fisheries announced the recall of all its smoked products sold under the Big Blue Fisheries and Sitka Alaska Smoked Fish brands on Sept. 30.

The following products are subject to recall:

• Pepper Smoked King Salmon, 0.5 to one-pound packages
• Hickory Smoked King Salmon, 0.5 to one-pound packages
• Teriyaki Smoked King Salmon, 0.5 to one-pound packages
• Hickory Smoked Black Cod, 0.5 to one-pound packages
• Smoked Coho Salmon Bellies, 0.5 to one-pound packages
• Smoked King Salmon Bellies, 0.5 to one-pound packages
• Hickory Smoked Coho Salmon, 0.5 to one-pound packages
• Pepper Smoked Coho Salmon, 0.5 to one-pound packages
• Teriyaki Smoked Coho Salmon, 0.5 to one-pound packages
• Smoked Wild Silver (Coho) Salmon Filet, one- to 2.5-pound packages
• Variety Smoke Pack, 1.5 pound packages

All products were packed between Sept. 24, 2011, and Sept. 24, 2013, and were sold in vacuum-packed plastic packages with labels including the pack date and the code AK#604.

The products may not have been properly cooked and have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause life-threatening illness and death. Botulism is a potentially fatal food poisoning that can cause general weakness, dizziness, double vision and trouble speaking or swallowing. Difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distension and constipation are also symptoms that may require immediate medical attention. 

The products were sold locally and distributed wholesale nationwide, as well as through the website http://alaskasmokedfish.com.

No illnesses or consumer complaints have been reported. Because the products may not have been fully processed, product contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens could lead to illness if consumed, even if the product does not look or smell bad.

Consumers are warned not to use the product. They should discard them or return them to the place of purchase. Georgia Department of Agriculture inspectors will be checking retail stores and food warehouses to make sure the recalled products are removed from sale.

Questions about this recall?

Consumers who purchased the recalled products can call 907-966-9999 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Alaska time. Consumers with food safety questions can contact Ask Karen, the virtual FSIS representative available 24 hours a day, online or via smartphone. Live Ask Karen chat services are available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST.

To view a comprehensive list of food and feed recalls affecting Georgia, visit our Food Safety Division recall website. If this recall expands or additional details become available in the future, the website will provide the most up-to-date information.