P. East Trading Corp Recalls Salted Smoked Split Herring

P. East Trading Corp Distributors Recall

Date Issued: June 10, 2025
Announced by: FDA on June 10, 2025
Company Name: P. East Trading Corp
Product Name: Salted Smoked Split Herring
Issue: Potential Clostridium botulinum contamination
Details: Uneviscerated herring, sold in 18 lb. wooden boxes
Action: Do not consume—return to point of purchase for refund
Call to Action: Shall we learn more about this fishy situation? Keep reading!

What Happened?

P. East Trading Corp, New York-based distributor, issued a voluntary recall on Salted Smoked Split Herring after an inspection by the New York State Department of Agriculture flagged concerns during a routine sample. The fish in question was found to exceed 5 inches in length and was uneviscerated—a dangerous combination when it comes to smoked fish safety.

Why’s that a big deal? The viscera (internal organs) of larger fish are more likely to harbor spores of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that thrives in low-oxygen environments like vacuum-sealed or smoked seafood products. When not properly removed before processing, these spores can survive and produce botulinum toxin, which causes botulism, a rare but potentially deadly illness.

The recalled fish was imported from Sea Star Seafood Ltd. in Canada, then distributed throughout retail stores in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The herring may have been repackaged into smaller containers by local delis and grocers, meaning identifying it could require checking with the retailer.

Product Details

Brand	Product	Size	UPC/Code	Best By Date	Issue
No Brand	Salted Smoked Split Herring	18 lbs. wooden boxes	Lot 1 PRC5073	Varies	Uneviscerated, >5” length

What Caused the Issue?

The issue stems from uneviscerated smoked fish over 5 inches in length, which can contain Clostridium botulinum spores concentrated in the viscera. While these spores are usually harmless when cooked thoroughly or removed during evisceration, the smoking process does not eliminate them. When fish are improperly processed and stored, these spores can thrive and produce a neurotoxin.

Health Risks and Symptoms

Botulism is a severe neuroparalytic illness caused by ingestion of botulinum toxin. Even in small amounts, this toxin can cause:

Muscle weakness and paralysis
Difficulty speaking or swallowing
Blurred or double vision
Shortness of breath
Abdominal cramps and constipation
In severe cases, respiratory failure and death

Who’s Most at Risk?

Elderly individuals
People with compromised immune systems
Pregnant women
Infants (especially under 12 months, though not likely to eat smoked fish)
People with gastrointestinal conditions

Important note: No illnesses have been reported as of June 10, 2025, but consumption is strongly discouraged regardless of whether the fish appears spoiled.

10 Common Questions You May Have

What is botulism?
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a nerve toxin that leads to paralysis and potentially death if not treated immediately.
Can I tell if my fish is contaminated?
No. Botulinum toxin does not change the smell, appearance, or taste of food.
I already ate the fish. What should I do?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms like dizziness, trouble speaking, or difficulty breathing.
Is the fish safe if I cooked it?
While high heat can kill the toxin, there’s no reliable way for consumers to confirm this was achieved. It’s best to discard it.
How can I identify the recalled product?
Check if the smoked herring came from a bulk box labeled Lot 1 PRC5073, or ask your retailer if they sourced from P. East Trading Corp.
Is the recall limited to certain states?
Yes, distribution was confirmed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, but it may have reached surrounding areas.
What should I do with the recalled product?
Return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. Do not consume or compost it.
Who can I contact for more info?
Contact P. East Trading Corp at (718) 991-6070 or email [email protected].
Have there been other recalls like this?
Yes. Similar smoked fish recalls have occurred due to improper evisceration and botulism risks. Read more on past seafood recalls.
Is vacuum-sealed fish always dangerous?
Not necessarily—but it must be processed safely, especially when dealing with fish over 5 inches. Trust brands with strong food safety records.

Here’s What You Should Do

P. East Trading Corp Uneviscerated Salted Smoked Split Herring

Don’t eat it – Even if it looks or smells fine, it could still be dangerous.
Check the label – Look for Lot #1 PRC5073 or ask your store.
Return it – Bring it back to the store for a full refund.
Throw it out safely – If returning isn’t an option, discard it in a sealed bag.
Watch for symptoms – Trouble breathing, blurred vision, or dizziness? Seek medical help.
Questions? – Call P. East Trading Corp at (718) 991-6070 or email [email protected].

Behind the Brand

P. East Trading Corp is a Bronx-based distributor specializing in imported foods, particularly bulk seafood. Sea Star Seafood Ltd supplied the recalled product, Salted Smoked Split Herring.

Other recent examples include:

On April 1, 2025, Walker’s Wine Juice LLC, based in Forestville, NY, issued a recall for its pumpkin juice due to a potential botulism risk.
On March 15, 2025, SeaBear Company issued a voluntary recall of two seafood chowders due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum.
On February 11, 2025, AKT Trading Inc. issued a recall for 120 packages of Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoots due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum.
On December 19, 2024, River Valley Ranch recalled their River Valley Ranch & Kitchens Spinach Artichoke Dip Mix due to potential Clostridium botulinum contamination.
On July 17, 2025, KRASNIY OKTYABR INC. USA recalled ARAL SILVER VOBLA Dry Salted Fish due to botulism risk from improper evisceration.

“Food safety isn’t just a box to check—it’s a responsibility. With high-risk items like smoked fish, strict processing and oversight are critical to protecting consumers and maintaining trust,” says Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring Safe Eats

For wholesalers, manufacturers, and food service professionals, this recall underscores the need for:

Verified suppliers with transparent processing methods
Strong food traceability systems
Stringent quality assurance on imported goods
Comprehensive food safety compliance protocols

At a time when consumer trust hinges on transparency, even one misstep can ripple across the industry. Foodborne illness risks—especially from bacteria like Clostridium botulinum—are preventable with the right sourcing and communication standards in place.

If you’re looking to partner with suppliers that prioritize safety, compliance, and transparency, talk to our team. Let’s build safer food systems—together.