BROOKLYN, NY (February 5, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Prime Food Processing LLC is voluntarily recalling dried croaker fish after regulators found that the product was not adequately eviscerated. The FDA said improperly eviscerated fish can retain internal organs that may harbor harmful bacteria or toxins and pose a potential health risk to consumers. The agency confirmed that no illnesses have been reported to date.
Prime Food Processing LLC recall: quick summary
Prime Food Processing LLC issued the recall for dried croaker fish sold at Asian grocery stores in multiple U.S. states after the New York Department of Agriculture identified a potential risk of bacterial or toxin contamination during routine testing. Regulators advised consumers not to consume the affected products and to return them for a full refund. To date, officials have not linked any illnesses or adverse reactions to the recalled fish. Authorities also stressed the importance of careful product inspection and prompt reporting of any suspicious items.
Official recall details
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Date recall was issued: February 3, 2026
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Announced by: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
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Company: Prime Food Processing LLC
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Product details: Item #AF1410 – Dried Croaker Fish, clear packaging with green trim, Expiration: 12-28-27
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Type of issue: Inadequate evisceration may allow harmful bacteria or toxins to remain
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Distribution: Asian grocery stores in AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, MA, MD, MO, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI
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Consumer instructions: Return uneaten product and packaging to the place of purchase for a full refund
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Want to know more about what happened? Keep reading.
What happened?
The FDA said Prime Food Processing LLC initiated the recall after it found that its dried croaker fish had not been properly eviscerated. Company officials told regulators they identified the issue during routine testing conducted by the New York Department of Agriculture. The company announced the recall on February 3, 2026, in coordination with the FDA and affected retailers.
The recalled product, Item #AF1410, comes in clear packaging with green trim and carries an expiration date of December 28, 2027. Prime Food Processing distributed the fish to Asian grocery stores in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
In its recall alert, the FDA stated that “fish that are not properly eviscerated may retain internal organs that can harbor harmful bacteria or toxins, posing a potential health risk to consumers.”
Affected products
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best by date | Issue | Affected states or zones |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prime Food Processing LLC | Dried Croaker Fish | N/A | AF1410 | 12-28-27 | Uneviscerated, potential bacteria/toxins | AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, MA, MD, MO, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI |
What caused the issue?
According to the FDA notice, the recall stems from the product not being fully eviscerated, which can allow bacteria or toxins to remain in the fish’s internal organs. The agency confirmed that consuming such products may increase the risk of foodborne illness. Individuals with weakened immune systems, older adults, young children, and pregnant people are most at risk. Symptoms to watch for include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or fever. Company officials stated no illnesses have been reported to date.
Questions you might have
Seek medical attention if you feel unwell. Watch for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or abdominal pain.
Look for clear packaging with green trim, Item #AF1410, and a best‑by date of Dec. 28, 2027.
Yes. Harmful bacteria or toxins may be present even if the fish seems fine.
Consuming uneviscerated fish may cause gastrointestinal distress and, for vulnerable groups, more severe illness.
Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to serious illness.
Asian grocery stores in AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, MA, MD, MO, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WI.
Wrap securely and discard in a sealed trash bag to prevent accidental consumption.
Call Prime Food Processing LLC at 718‑963‑2323, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM EST.
No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported at this time.
Check FDA alerts, verify item numbers, UPCs, and best‑by dates, especially for imported or specialty seafood,
Here’s what you should do
- Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund
- Check the label for Item #AF1410, clear packaging with green trim, and expiration 12-28-27
- Contact Prime Food Processing LLC at 718-963-2323, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST for questions or refunds
Behind the brand
Prime Food Processing LLC is a Brooklyn-based company that distributes seafood products, including imported dried fish. The company’s recall notice states that it has “ceased distribution of the affected product” and is working closely with retailers and the FDA.
Other relevant recalls
This recall follows a similar incident involving dried fish products earlier this year. In a separate FDA action, New Hoque & Sons Inc. recalled Hoque Dry Ghoinnya Fish due to an uneviscerated product risk, after regulators warned that the fish had not been properly cleaned and could harbor harmful bacteria or toxins.
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers uneviscerated fish that are salt-cured, dried, or smoked to represent a potentially life-threatening health hazard, because the viscera naturally harbor Clostridium botulinum spores that can produce toxin under certain conditions.” — FDA fishery products guidance
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.”
Regulatory context
This recall is part of a broader trend of fish-related recalls in the U.S., highlighting the need for careful handling, evisceration, and inspection to protect public health.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall highlights the importance of careful processing standards, rigorous testing, and clear communication to consumers. Proper evisceration and handling are critical to preventing foodborne illness. For consumers, appropriate identification and disposal or return of recalled products reduce risk. For the industry, robust quality control and traceability are essential to prevent future recalls.
At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, oversee FSQA programs, and operate private label production with transparency and precision so their supply chains can respond quickly when recalls occur. Contact us.
