Hancock, Maine-based Mill Stream Corp. (Sullivan Harbor Farm) is voluntarily recalling some smoked salmon because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum (botulism).
The recall is caused by faulty results Mill Stream received from its laboratory testing firm, Owner Leslie Harlow told SeafoodSource.
The recall of 10 lots of the company’s Cold Smoked Salmon was initiated because the product’s water phase salt (WPS) tested below 3.5 percent.
"As a company, we are diligent in regard to following our HACCP and taking the steps necessary to achieve the industry standard of 3.5 water phase salt. The laboratory is responsible for testing our products, and the lab, through a number of batches, gave us the incorrect lab results. Thus we believed that our products had achieved 3.5 percent water phase salt,” Harlow said. “Had we received the correct reading originally, we would have destroyed the product and never put it into commerce.”
“We are working with the FDA’s regional recall coordinator and are going through the steps. We certainly honor the safety of food,” Harlow added.
The smoked salmon labels state to keep the product refrigerated at or below 38ºF and that the product may be frozen. 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,” Mill Stream said in a press release.
“Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled,” the supplier said. However, no illnesses have been reported.
The recalled product was sold between 6 March, 2019, and 17 September, 2019, in several states – primarily via orders from Sullivan Harbor Farms’ website, along with limited retail distribution in Maine. The Cold Smoked Salmon was sold in vacuum-sealed packages in the following sizes: whole salmon side, 2 lb., 1 lb., 8 oz., and 4 oz. The affected product is marked with the following lot numbers marked on the back of the packages: 7049, 7050, 7051, 7052, 7054, 7056, 7058, 7060, 7062, 7066.
Consumers with questions can call the company at 207-266-0621.
Photo courtesy of Mill Stream Corp.
