Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring Recall: FDA Warns of Botulism Risk
Terra Medi LLC is voluntarily recalling all Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) determined the fish were improperly eviscerated. Retained viscera can harbor Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that produces botulinum toxin. Consumers in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois, and New York should not eat the product listed below and should return or discard it immediately.
Recall Details at a Glance
- Product Name: Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring (vacuum-packed, refrigerated, one whole fish)
- Lot / Date Code: Production 04/12/2025 | Best Before 04/12/2026 | Lot L120425F54
- States Distributed: MA, NJ, IL, NY
- Reason for Recall: Uneviscerated fish – potential Clostridium botulinum contamination
- Illnesses Reported: None as of May 14, 2026
- Manufacturer / Importer: Terra Medi LLC, Long Island City, NY
- Consumer Hotline: 718-932-9293 (9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET, Mon–Fri)
Sources
Why Improper Evisceration Increases Botulism Risk
Fish intestines are a primary reservoir for C. botulinum spores. If the viscera are not completely removed before smoking or packaging, spores can survive, multiply under anaerobic conditions (such as vacuum packaging), and produce the deadly botulinum toxin even at refrigerator temperatures.
Recognizing Botulism Symptoms
Botulism is a rare but serious illness. Early recognition and treatment are vital. Common symptoms include:
- Dizziness, blurred or double vision
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Muscle weakness
- Abdominal bloating or constipation
Anyone who has consumed the recalled fish and experiences these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
What Consumers Should Do Now
- Do not consume Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring bearing the affected lot/date code.
- Place the fish in a sealed plastic bag and return it to the store of purchase for a full refund, or dispose of it safely.
- Contact Terra Medi at 718-932-9293 with any questions about the recall or refund process.
- Monitor yourself and family members for signs of botulism if the product was eaten.
How to Identify the Recalled Herring
The product comes in clear vacuum-sealed packaging with a blue-and-gold Hellas Meze label. Check the lot and date code, which are printed in black ink on the back of the package.
Official Recall Images
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Hellas Meze herring products are included in the recall?
Only Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring with production date 04/12/2025, best-before date 04/12/2026, and lot L120425F54 is affected. No other Hellas Meze items are part of this recall.
2. Can I freeze the recalled Hellas Meze herring to make it safe?
No. Freezing does not destroy botulinum toxin or the spores that may produce it. The product should be returned or discarded, not frozen for later use.
3. Was Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring sold online?
The recalled lot was distributed primarily to physical retailers in MA, NJ, IL, and NY. However, if you purchased the fish online or while traveling, verify the lot code on the package.
4. Is it safe to cook or re-smoke the recalled Hellas Meze herring?
No. Typical home cooking temperatures do not reliably inactivate botulinum toxin. The safest option is to avoid consumption altogether.
5. How do I get a refund for my Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring?
Return the unopened or partially used fish to the store of purchase and ask for a full refund. Retailers have been instructed to honor the recall.
6. Are any illnesses linked to Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring so far?
No illnesses have been reported in connection with this product as of May 14, 2026, according to the FDA.