Prime Food Processing Dried Herring Fish Recall Over Botulism Risk | FDA Alert

Urgent consumer notice: Prime Food Processing LLC has recalled its Dried Herring Fish (7-oz bags) after regulators found the fish were uneviscerated, creating a significant risk of Clostridium botulinum growth and toxin production. If you purchased lot 26020 (item #AF4110) in any of 17 affected states, do not eat it—return it for a full refund.

Recalled Product Details

• Product name: Dried Herring Fish (no separate brand name listed)
• Company: Prime Food Processing LLC
• Package size: 7 oz clear plastic bag with blue trim
• Item #: AF4110
• Lot code: 26020
• Best-by date: 06-12-2028
• Total affected: 69 cases
• Country of origin: Vietnam

Sources

• FDA Recall Announcement

Botulism Risk Explained

When fish are not properly eviscerated, C. botulinum spores that occur naturally in the viscera can multiply under anaerobic conditions. Once the bacteria grow, they release botulinum toxin—a potent neurotoxin that can cause paralysis or death even in tiny amounts.

Early symptoms (6 hours–2 days after eating contaminated food) include dizziness, double vision, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. Seek emergency medical attention if any of these signs develop.

States Where Prime Food Dried Herring Was Sold

The recalled fish was distributed to Asian grocery retailers in:

• Arizona (AZ)
• California (CA)
• Florida (FL)
• Hawaii (HI)
• Illinois (IL)
• Kansas (KS)
• Louisiana (LA)
• Maryland (MD)
• Missouri (MO)
• North Carolina (NC)
• New Hampshire (NH)
• Nevada (NV)
• New York (NY)
• Oklahoma (OK)
• Pennsylvania (PA)
• Texas (TX)
• Utah (UT)

What Consumers Should Do Now

1. Check your pantry and freezer for any 7-oz Prime Food Processing Dried Herring Fish.
2. Confirm the label shows item #AF4110 and lot 26020.
3. Do NOT taste or cook the product; heat may not destroy pre-formed toxin.
4. Return the package—opened or unopened—to the store for a full refund.
5. Direct questions to Prime Food Processing LLC at 718-963-2323 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM EST).

How the Recall Was Discovered

The New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets flagged the issue during routine sampling. As of the FDA’s recall notice dated June 4, 2026, no illnesses have been reported.

Recall Images

Prime Food Processing Dried Herring Fish Recall — FAQs

1. Why is Prime Food Processing Dried Herring Fish being recalled?

The fish were sold without proper evisceration, allowing C. botulinum spores to remain inside the body cavity and potentially produce dangerous botulinum toxin.

2. Can cooking or boiling Prime Food Dried Herring Fish make it safe to eat?

No. While boiling can kill the bacteria, it cannot reliably destroy toxin that may already be present. The FDA advises consumers to return or discard the product.

3. What symptoms should I watch for after eating Prime Food Processing Dried Herring Fish?

Monitor for dizziness, blurred or double vision, slurred speech, drooping eyelids, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help immediately if any symptoms arise.

4. How do I obtain a refund for the Prime Food Dried Herring recall?

Bring the unused fish (opened or unopened) and its original packaging back to the retailer. Stores have received instructions to issue full refunds.

5. Which states sold Prime Food Processing Dried Herring Fish lot 26020?

Seventeen states are involved: AZ, CA, FL, HI, IL, KS, LA, MD, MO, NC, NH, NV, NY, OK, PA, TX, and UT.

6. Are other Prime Food Processing seafood products affected?

No. The recall covers only the Dried Herring Fish in 7-oz bags, lot 26020, item #AF4110. No other Prime Food Processing items are included at this time.

7. Who can I contact at Prime Food Processing LLC for more information?

Call the company’s consumer line at 718-963-2323 Monday through Friday, 9 AM–5 PM EST.