Salmon Recalled in 23 States Due to Possible Botulism Poisoning

If you have salmon stored away that you purchased within the last year, you may be impacted by a recent recall. According to Food Safety News, Mill Stream Corp. issued a recall of salmon sold from March 6 to September 17 due to a risk of botulism poisoning. The Maine-based company shipped the salmon to retailers in 23 states and also sold the fish online. "The recall was initiated because the product's water phase salt (WPS) tested below 3.5 percent," according to the Mill Stream recall notice. "This was discovered upon re-review of laboratory certificates, which were found to have incorrectly reported WPS levels."

The fish was shipped in vacuum-sealed packaging in whole salmon side, two-pound, one-pound, eight-ounce, and four-ounce servings. Additionally, the fish was marked with these packaging numbers: 7049, 7050, 7051, 7052, 7054, 7056, 7058, 7060, 7062, and 7066.

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"Labeling instructions state to keep refrigerated at or below 38 degrees F and that the product may be frozen," the recall notice said. "Because the WPS is under 3.5 percent, the product must remain frozen until ready to consume. Product stored in the refrigerator after thawing has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum."

Botulism poisoning can be a life-threatening illness. Per Food Safety News, if someone is not treated, the illness can paralyze breathing muscles, causing immediate death. There have been no illnesses reported so far. However, the recall notice stated that anyone with the salmon in question should throw it away, even if it doesn't look or smell like it is spoiled.