- Recall Date: February 25, 2025
- Announced By: USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- Company: C&T Produce Wholesale Inc. (dba L&V Food Supply)
- Product: Peppered Dried Catfish
- Issue: Imported from an ineligible establishment in Vietnam, lacking USDA inspection
- Product Details: 2-lb. cardboard boxes, no establishment number, no USDA mark of inspection
- Distribution: Retail locations in CA, FL, IL, NE, NC, OH, TN, TX, and WA
- Action Required: Consumers should discard or return the product
Stick around to find out more about this recall—let’s dive into the details!
What happened?
C&T Produce Wholesale Inc., also known as L&V Food Supply, recalled approximately 1,152 pounds of Peppered Dried Catfish. The recall was initiated after FSIS discovered that the product came from a Vietnamese facility that is not approved for exporting Siluriformes (catfish) to the United States. Additionally, the product bypassed the required USDA import reinspection process.
Recall details
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
L&V Food Supply | Peppered Dried Catfish | 2-lb. box | N/A | N/A | Ineligible import, No USDA inspection |
The recall was discovered during routine FSIS surveillance in a retail store in California. Fortunately, no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported so far.
What caused the issue?
The primary issue is non-compliance with USDA import regulations. The product:
- Originated from a facility in Vietnam that is not eligible to export Siluriformes fish to the U.S.
- Skipped the mandatory import reinspection, which ensures food safety compliance.
Health risks
While no specific bacteria or contaminants have been reported in this recall, consuming uninspected seafood poses potential risks, including:
- Bacterial contamination (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria, Vibrio)
- Chemical residues that exceed U.S. safety limits
- Allergen mislabeling due to lack of proper inspection
At-risk consumers & symptoms
Certain groups are at higher risk of foodborne illnesses, including:
- Pregnant women
- Young children
- Elderly individuals
- Immunocompromised individuals
Potential symptoms of foodborne illness include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Fever and chills
- Abdominal cramps
- Fatigue and dehydration
10 common questions you may have
- Why was the product recalled?
- It was imported from a non-approved facility in Vietnam and lacked proper USDA inspection.
- Is the recalled catfish dangerous to eat?
- While no illness has been reported, uninspected seafood may carry bacteria or harmful residues.
- What should I do if I already ate this product?
- Monitor for symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or fever, and seek medical help if necessary.
- How do I check if I have this recalled product?
- Look for a 2-lb. cardboard box labeled “Peppered Dried Catfish” without a USDA inspection mark.
- Where was the product sold?
- Retail locations in California, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.
- Can I return the product for a refund?
- Yes, return it to the store where you purchased it or dispose of it properly.
- Who can I contact for more information?
- You can contact L&V Food Supply at 832-381-0293 or email [email protected].
- Are there any confirmed cases of illness?
- No confirmed illnesses have been reported at this time.
- How can I ensure my seafood is safe in the future?
- Always check for USDA or FDA inspection marks and buy from reputable sources.
- Where can I find more recall updates?
- Visit the USDA recall page at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls for the latest information.
Here’s what you should do
If you have this product:
- Do not consume it.
- Check the label—look for missing USDA inspection marks.
- Dispose of it safely or return it to the store for a refund.
- Contact L&V Food Supply for any recall-related questions:
- Chinh Nguyen, Director
- Phone: 832-381-0293
- Email: [email protected]
Behind the brand
C&T Produce Wholesale Inc., operating under L&V Food Supply, specializes in importing and distributing various food products. However, this is not the first time an issue like this has arisen. On December 3, 2024, FSIS issued an alert for illegal importation of Mortadella from Ecuador. That same month, Nail Factory recalled ineligible frozen Siluriformes fish products imported from Vietnam.
“Maintaining transparency, compliance, and strict safety standards throughout the supply chain is essential for the food industry. Recalls like this one, involving improperly imported products, highlight how even minor lapses in inspection and regulation can lead to significant consequences. It’s a shared responsibility to ensure that every product reaching consumers is safe, properly sourced, and fully compliant with all regulations. This isn’t just about following guidelines—it’s about protecting public health and preserving consumer trust in the food they buy and eat.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’ CEO.
For a full list of recalls, visit the USDA’s recall page.
Ensuring safe eats
Food recalls like this highlight the critical importance of proper import inspections and regulatory compliance. Companies must:
- Source from USDA-approved suppliers to prevent illegal imports.
- Follow import inspection protocols to maintain food safety.
- Conduct thorough quality control checks before distribution.
If you’re a food importer or retailer, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations is essential to avoid costly recalls and protect public health.
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