NEW YORK, NY (November 12, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that African Food Wheels Inc. is voluntarily recalling its Oven Dried Fish (Scomberomorus Cavalla) due to a possible health risk. The agency stated that the fish may have been processed without proper evisceration, which increases the risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause life-threatening botulism poisoning even when food appears normal.
According to the FDA recall notice, improperly eviscerated fish can contain Clostridium botulinum toxin in the internal organs, creating a severe safety hazard for consumers. Botulism can lead to paralysis and, in the most severe cases, death.
African Food Wheels recall: quick summary
African Food Wheels Inc., based in New York, is recalling its Oven Dried Fish (Scomberomorus Cavalla) product after FDA inspectors determined that the fish may not have been properly cleaned before processing. The fish was distributed to retail stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Although no illnesses have been reported to date, the company urges consumers to stop using the product immediately due to the risk of botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. The recall affects all units of the product sold in 1 lb vacuum sealed packages at ethnic food markets and small retail stores throughout the northeastern United States.
Official recall details
- Recall date: November 12, 2025
- Announced by: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Company: African Food Wheels Inc.
- Product recalled: Oven Dried Fish (Scomberomorus Cavalla)
- Issue: Potential contamination due to improperly eviscerated fish, which may contain Clostridium botulinum
- Product details: 1 lb vacuum sealed package
- Consumer instructions: Do not consume the product. Dispose of it or return it to the point of purchase for a refund
Want to know more about what happened? Keep reading.
What happened?
The FDA said African Food Wheels Inc. initiated the recall after regulatory inspections revealed that the fish was not fully eviscerated before being dried and packaged. The company told regulators it became aware of the issue during routine FDA facility inspections that identified processing deficiencies in fish preparation procedures.
The recall was announced on November 12, 2025, in coordination with the FDA. According to FDA guidance, fish that retain internal organs can harbor Clostridium botulinum, which can produce a dangerous toxin even in dried, salted, or vacuum sealed products.
The recall applies to all available product units labeled Oven Dried Fish (Scomberomorus Cavalla), sold in 1 lb sealed vacuum packs. The product was distributed through small retail stores and ethnic food markets across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
Affected products
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best by date | Issue | Distribution |
African Food Wheels | Oven Dried Fish (Scomberomorus Cavalla) | 1 lb package | Not listed | Not listed | Possible Clostridium botulinum contamination | NY, NJ, PA, CT |
Consumers who purchased this product from ethnic food markets or specialty stores in the affected states should check their homes immediately.
What caused the issue?
According to the FDA recall notice, the fish may not have undergone proper evisceration, meaning internal organs were not fully removed before processing. This is a critical food safety step for fish products, particularly those that will be dried, smoked, or vacuum sealed.
The agency confirmed that Clostridium botulinum spores can form toxins inside improperly processed fish, even after cooking, drying, or refrigeration. The bacterium thrives in low oxygen environments such as vacuum sealed packages, making proper evisceration essential before packaging.
Botulism is one of the most dangerous forms of food poisoning. The toxin affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis that progresses rapidly without treatment.
Symptoms of botulism may include:
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Double or blurred vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Vomiting or nausea
- Muscle weakness
- Paralysis starting from the face and moving downward
- Difficulty breathing
Those most at risk include:
- Infants under 12 months
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
- Elderly consumers
- Anyone consuming improperly processed fish products
The agency confirmed that no illnesses have been reported so far. However, botulism symptoms can take 6 hours to 10 days to appear after consuming contaminated food, so consumers who ate the product should remain vigilant for symptoms.
Questions you might have
- What should I do if I already consumed the recalled fish? Monitor for symptoms of botulism immediately and seek emergency medical care if you experience difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, or vision problems. Botulism requires urgent treatment.
- Can botulism be deadly? Yes, botulism can cause respiratory paralysis and death without prompt medical treatment. It is one of the most serious types of food poisoning.
- How do I identify if I have the recalled product? Look for the label “Oven Dried Fish (Scomberomorus Cavalla)” sold in a 1 lb vacuum sealed pack. The product was distributed through ethnic food markets in NY, NJ, PA, and CT.
- What makes improperly eviscerated fish dangerous? Internal organs can harbor Clostridium botulinum spores that produce toxins in low oxygen environments like vacuum sealed packaging, even after drying.
- Will the fish look or smell bad if it’s contaminated? No. The FDA specifically warns that contaminated fish may appear and smell normal. Do not taste the product to test it.
- Where was this fish sold? The product was distributed to small retail stores and ethnic food markets throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
- Are there any reported illnesses? No illnesses have been reported yet, but symptoms can take up to 10 days to appear after consumption.
- Can cooking the fish make it safe? No. While cooking can kill bacteria, it does not destroy the botulinum toxin if it has already formed in the fish.
- Should I throw the fish away? Yes, dispose of it immediately in a sealed bag where no one can access it, or return it to the store for a refund. Do not give it to pets.
- How can I contact African Food Wheels with questions? Consumers can contact African Food Wheels Inc. directly for questions about the recall or refund procedures, or file a report through FDA MedWatch.
Here’s what you should do
- Do not consume the recalled fish under any circumstances, even if it appears normal
- Check your refrigerator and freezer for Oven Dried Fish (Scomberomorus Cavalla) in 1 lb vacuum sealed packages
- Do not taste or smell the product to determine if it’s contaminated, as botulinum toxin may be present without visible signs
- Dispose of it safely by sealing it in a plastic bag and throwing it away where no one, including pets, can access it
- Return it to the retailer for a full refund if you prefer
- Wash all surfaces, utensils, and containers that came into contact with the fish using hot soapy water
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the product or its packaging
- Monitor for symptoms if you or anyone in your household consumed the fish, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop
- Contact African Food Wheels Inc. with questions about the recall or refund process
- Report adverse reactions to the FDA through MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1 800 FDA 1088
Behind the brand
African Food Wheels Inc. is a New York based distributor of imported specialty foods and ethnic grocery products throughout the northeastern United States. The company supplies small retail stores, ethnic markets, and specialty food shops with products catering to African and Caribbean communities.
According to the recall notice, the company has stopped distribution of the affected product while working with the FDA to determine how the processing deficiency occurred and to implement corrective measures.
Source86 reached out to African Food Wheels Inc. for comment on how the evisceration issue occurred and what additional processing controls the company is implementing to prevent future incidents, but has not yet received a response. The company’s recall notice states that it has ceased distribution of the affected product and is cooperating fully with FDA investigators.
Other relevant recalls
Another comparable incident involved New Hoque & Sons, which recalled uneviscerated fish after regulators discovered the product posed a risk of botulism due to internal organs being left intact during processing. This case, together with the African Food Wheels recall, highlights persistent challenges around proper fish processing and import controls, underscoring how quickly deficiencies in preparation can jeopardize consumer safety.
Editor’s Note
Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said:
“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability. For imported products and specialty foods, companies must verify that processing facilities meet U.S. safety standards before products reach consumers.”
Ensuring safe eats
This recall highlights a critical food safety concern involving insufficient processing of high risk products. Proper evisceration of fish is a fundamental step that cannot be skipped, especially for products that will be dried, smoked, or vacuum sealed. Companies handling ready to eat or imported animal products must ensure proper cleaning procedures, sanitation protocols, and microbial controls throughout production.
The African Food Wheels incident serves as a reminder that traditional processing methods must still meet modern food safety standards. Ethnic and specialty food distributors importing products from overseas suppliers must verify that processing facilities follow proper procedures and maintain adequate safety controls. This includes regular facility audits, product testing, and documentation of processing steps.
Consumers who purchased the recalled fish should dispose of it immediately and monitor for symptoms if the product was consumed. Botulism is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking care.
At Source86, we support food brands by strengthening supplier vetting, ingredient traceability, and FSQA programs designed specifically for high risk products. Our comprehensive safety protocols help manufacturers prevent contamination events before they occur through validated processing controls, regular audits, and supply chain transparency. We help importers and distributors establish robust verification systems that ensure overseas suppliers meet U.S. food safety requirements. Contact us to learn how we can help safeguard your supply chain and protect consumers from preventable food safety incidents. Contact Us!
