Quality Poultry & Seafood Recalls Catfish Fillets Over Lack of Inspection

Quality Poultry & Seafood recall: quick summary

Quality Poultry & Seafood, Inc. is recalling nearly 99,000 pounds of catfish fillets after it was discovered the products were produced without federal inspection; a big no-no in the seafood world. The unapproved fillets were distributed to restaurants and retail stores across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, raising concerns for both consumers and businesses.

While no confirmed illnesses have been reported so far, the USDA is keeping a close eye on the situation. In the meantime, consumers are urged to check their freezers, toss the products, or return them to the place of purchase, meaning no catfish dinners tonight, folks.

What happened?

On September 15, 2025, FSIS announced that Quality Poultry & Seafood, Inc. was recalling 98,916 pounds of catfish fillets. The catch? They were produced without the benefit of federal inspection—meaning nobody with a USDA badge gave them the thumbs-up. The company itself tipped off FSIS, which determined the products had slipped through the inspection net.

These fillets (ranging from “miscut” to “irregular” [because fish, like people, come in all shapes and sizes]) were packed in translucent bags and cardboard boxes. They found their way to restaurants, retail shops, and freezers across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best by date	Issue	Distributed in
Quality Poultry & Seafood	Varied Catfish Miscut Fillets	5 lb.	N/A	9/2/24 – 9/5/25	No federal inspection	AL, MS, LA
Quality Poultry & Seafood	Varied Catfish Miscut Fillets	15 lb.	N/A	9/2/24 – 9/5/25	No federal inspection	AL, MS, LA
Quality Poultry & Seafood	Irregular Catfish Shank Fillets	5 lb.	N/A	9/2/24 – 9/5/25	No federal inspection	AL, MS, LA
Quality Poultry & Seafood	Irregular Catfish Random Fillets	5 lb.	N/A	9/2/24 – 9/5/25	No federal inspection	AL, MS, LA
Quality Poultry & Seafood	Irregular Catfish Random Fillets	15 lb.	N/A	9/2/24 – 9/5/25	No federal inspection	AL, MS, LA

What caused the issue?

These products were produced without federal inspection, which is like throwing a pool party and forgetting to add water. No official eyes = no guarantee the fillets are safe.

Risks:

• Potential hazards: Undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria, or contaminants.
• Groups at risk: Everyone, but especially children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
• Symptoms of contamination: Upset stomach, foodborne illness, or the dreaded “never-eat-catfish-again” syndrome.
• Victims confirmed: None reported at this time.

Questions you might have

1. Was anyone sickened by these catfish?
   No illnesses have been reported so far.
2. How much product was recalled?
   About 98,916 pounds of fillets. That’s a LOT of fish fries cancelled.
3. Where were the products sold?
   In Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, restaurants, retail stores, and the company’s retail shop.
4. What’s the issue exactly?
   They were produced without the required USDA inspection.
5. Can I still cook it if I bought it?
   Nope. Toss it or return it; cooking doesn’t fix a missing inspection.
6. What do the packages look like?
   Translucent bags or cardboard boxes with labels like “miscut” or “irregular” catfish fillets.
7. Who announced the recall?
   The USDA’s FSIS.
8. Who can I contact for more info?
   Fernando Mejia, Director of Finance and Operations, via [email protected].
9. Is this a voluntary recall?
   Yes, the company reported the issue, and FSIS made it official.
10. What should I do if I have already eaten some?
    Don’t panic; no illnesses reported. But if you feel sick, contact your healthcare provider.

Here’s what you should do

• Don’t eat it. Don’t serve it. Don’t even think about it.
• Check your freezer for translucent bags or boxes with “miscut” or “irregular” catfish fillets.
• Look for production dates between September 2, 2024, and September 5, 2025.
• Contact Fernando Mejia at [email protected] or call USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline: 888-674-6854.

Behind the brand

Quality Poultry & Seafood, Inc., based in Biloxi, Mississippi, handles poultry and seafood processing. With establishment IDs M47344+P47344, they operate in the raw-intact processing category. While usually in good standing, this recall highlights the importance of sticking to inspection protocols.

Other relevant recalls

• Sabrositos Hondureños recalls 32,000 pounds of meat over fake USDA inspection
• Trader Joe’s public health alert: Frozen pepperoni pizza flunks import reinspection
• Viva Raw recalls dog and cat food over Salmonella and Listeria contamination
• Savage Pet recalls cat food: Chicken boxes due to possible bird flu risk
• C&T Produce Wholesale Inc. recalls peppered dried catfish due to import violation
• Darwin’s Natural Pet Products linked to E. coli and Salmonella contamination

Related Regulatory Action: Uninspected Lamb Recall (December 2025) In a similar enforcement action regarding uninspected meat products, Ghanaianway Restaurant and Grocery LLC has voluntarily recalled approximately 5,970 pounds of salted lamb. Much like the Quality Poultry & Seafood incident, these items were produced and distributed without the required federal inspection, preventing regulators from verifying their safety. The affected products were shipped to retailers and restaurants across seven states, including New York and New Jersey. To learn more about this specific alert, read our full report: Ghanaianway Recalls Salted Lamb Over Lack of Inspection.

“Food safety is not optional; it’s essential. At Source86, we believe recalls like these underline the importance of supply chain transparency and strict compliance. Consumers deserve safe, high-quality products every time.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

This recall is another reminder that skipping inspection isn’t just cutting corners—it’s risking public trust. For the food industry, it highlights why companies must prioritize safety, compliance, and transparency.

Consumers should check their freezers, return or discard recalled catfish, and stay informed. For suppliers, it’s time to double down on safety checks and inspection protocols.

At Source86, we’re committed to bulk ingredients, private label services, and supply chain excellence because nobody wants their dinner to end up in a recall notice. Contact us!