560 Lbs of Haifa Smoked Fish Cold Smoked Sprats Recalled Over Botulism Risk 2026

Roughly 560 pounds of Cold Smoked Sprats distributed across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania are being pulled from the market over a potentially deadly contamination concern. Haifa Smoked Fish of Queens, NY, announced the recall on October 27, 2026, warning that the fish may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism.

The company, which operates as D&M Smoked Fish Inc. dba Haifa Smoked Fish Inc., says consumers should not use the product even if it looks and smells normal. The FDA posted the company’s announcement as a public service and does not endorse either the product or the company.

Quick Facts

• Company: D&M Smoked Fish Inc. dba Haifa Smoked Fish Inc., Queens, NY
• Product: Cold Smoked Sprats (sprat fish)
• Quantity: Approximately 560 lbs.
• Distribution: New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania
• Lots: All lots are included
• Illnesses reported: None to date
• Announcement date: October 27, 2026

Products Affected by This Recall

The recall covers Cold Smoked Sprats sold under no brand name. The fish was packed loose in bulk cardboard boxes labeled Cold Smoked Sprats and shipped refrigerated. Because the product was sold loose rather than in branded retail packaging, there is no UPC code or specific lot number for shoppers to check.

The company has stated that all lots of the product are included in the recall. In practical terms, any Cold Smoked Sprats bought from a retail store in the affected states that traces back to Haifa Smoked Fish should be treated as part of this action.

What Triggered the Recall

The recall follows an FDA inspection at the firm. According to the announcement, the FDA initiated an inspection at D&M Smoked Fish Inc. in Jamaica, NY. The inspection revealed that the firm was producing cold-smoked sprats without the required food safety controls to prevent Clostridium botulinum growth and toxin formation.

Cold-smoked fish is not cooked to a temperature that destroys the bacterium, which is why controls during processing and storage matter so much. Without them, the risk of toxin formation increases. The company has not reported any confirmed contamination test results in its announcement. The recall is based on the potential for contamination arising from the missing controls.

Where Were These Products Sold?

Cold Smoked Sprats were distributed through retail stores in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The announcement does not name individual stores, so consumers in those three states who purchased smoked sprats from a retailer, particularly loose or bulk-packed fish, should take the notice seriously.

No illnesses have been reported to date, according to the company.

Understanding the Health Risk

Botulism is a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. Symptoms can include general weakness, dizziness, double vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also occur.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

What Consumers Need to Do Now

• Check your refrigerator and freezer for Cold Smoked Sprats purchased from retail stores in New Jersey, New York or Pennsylvania.
• Do not eat the product, even if it does not look or smell spoiled.
• Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
• Contact a healthcare provider right away if you or a family member ate the fish and developed any symptoms of botulism.
• Questions can be directed to the company at 718-523-8899, between 9am and 5pm Eastern Standard Time.

Retailers and food service operators who received the product should stop selling or serving it and remove it from inventory. The FDA has also issued a separate advisory telling consumers not to eat, sell or serve Cold Smoked Sprats sold by Haifa Smoked Fish Inc.

Regulatory Response

The announcement is listed by the FDA under Food and Beverages and the topic of foodborne illness. The agency’s Human Foods Program and its Office of Inspections and Investigations are associated with the notice. The recall is a company announcement, meaning the firm is carrying out the action and the FDA is publishing it to alert the public.

The agency has linked the company’s recall notice to its own advisory, which directs consumers not to eat, sell or serve the affected sprats. Readers can find the advisory on the FDA website under food alerts and advisories.

Why This Matters

Botulism cases are rare, but the illness can progress quickly and can be life-threatening. Smoked and cured fish products are a well-known concern for this bacterium when processing controls are not in place. Because the affected sprats were sold loose and without a brand name, shoppers may not be able to identify the product from packaging alone. When in doubt, the safest course is to ask the store where the fish was bought and to avoid eating it until that is confirmed.

Consumers who believe they bought the recalled fish should hold onto any packaging or receipts and return the product for a refund as directed. Any health concerns should be taken to a medical professional promptly. Further updates, if any, will be posted on the FDA recalls page.