Why is Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring being recalled?

The fish were not fully eviscerated, creating conditions for Clostridium botulinum to grow and potentially cause botulism.

Which lot numbers of Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring are affected?

Lots 25079, 25055, 25028 and 26344 with expiration dates ranging from May 3 to July 22, 2026.

Where was the recalled Ma Cohen’s product sold?

Retail stores in Michigan, Minnesota and North Dakota.

Have any illnesses been linked to the Ma Cohen’s recall?

No illnesses had been reported at the time of the FDA announcement.

Can I cook Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring to make it safe?

No. Cooking will not reliably destroy botulinum toxin. Discard or return the product.

How should I dispose of recalled Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring?

Place the sealed package in a leak-proof trash bag or container before discarding.

Is frozen Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring part of the recall?

Yes, if the frozen product carries one of the affected lot numbers, it should also be discarded or returned.

Source: FDA

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FDA Recall: Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring

Ma Cohen’s • May 08, 2026

Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring Recall 2026: FDA Warns of Botulism Risk

Urgent recall: Shining Sea Fish Co. has removed four lots of Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring from stores after inspectors detected a potential Clostridium botulinum hazard. If you purchased this smoked fish in Michigan, Minnesota or North Dakota, locate the lot number, then discard the product or return it for a refund.

Reason for the Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring Recall

Routine sampling by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture revealed that some packages were not fully eviscerated. Because these fish pieces exceed five inches, incomplete evisceration can enable Clostridium botulinum to multiply under refrigeration, increasing the chance of botulism poisoning. No illnesses had been reported as of May 8, 2026, but the FDA urges consumers not to take any chances.

States Where the Recalled Fish Was Distributed

Michigan (MI)
Minnesota (MN)
North Dakota (ND)

How to Identify the Recalled Ma Cohen’s Packages

Products come in clear plastic pouches with a foil Ma Cohen’s label. Check the lot number and expiration date on the back sticker or any store-added label:

LOT 25079 — Exp. May 03 2026
LOT 25055 — Exp. May 12 2026
LOT 25028 — Exp. Jun 03 2026
LOT 26344 — Exp. Jul 22 2026

Official Recall Source

FDA Recall Announcement

Botulism Symptoms to Watch For

Botulism is a rare yet potentially fatal foodborne illness. Early warning signs include:

General weakness, dizziness or double vision
Difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing
Muscle paralysis that can spread downward
Abdominal distension, nausea or constipation

If you notice any of these symptoms after eating smoked fish, seek emergency medical care immediately.

What to Do With Recalled Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring

Do not consume the product—even if it looks or smells normal.
Seal and dispose of the fish so people and pets cannot access it.
Or return it to the retailer for a full refund.
Questions? Call Shining Sea Fish Co. Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. EST at 1-313-542-2637.

Recall Photos: Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring

Front label of Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring recall package — Source: FDA

Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring Recall FAQ

1. Why is Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring being recalled?: The fish were not fully eviscerated, creating conditions that can foster Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for botulism.
2. Which lot numbers of Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring are affected?: Lots 25079, 25055, 25028 and 26344 with expiration dates between May 3 and July 22, 2026, are included in the recall.
3. Where was the recalled Ma Cohen’s product sold?: At retail grocery stores in Michigan, Minnesota and North Dakota.
4. Have any illnesses been linked to the Ma Cohen’s recall?: No illnesses had been reported as of the FDA announcement.
5. Can I cook Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring to make it safe?: No. Heat does not reliably destroy the botulinum toxin once formed. Dispose of or return the product.
6. How should I dispose of recalled Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring?: Place the sealed package in a leak-proof trash bag or container before discarding to prevent accidental consumption by humans or animals.
7. Is frozen Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring part of the recall?: The recall covers only the lots and dates listed above. If your frozen fish bears one of those lot numbers, it should also be discarded or returned.