Shan Distribution Network Recalls Al Kabeer Breaded Swai Products Over Import Eligibility Issue

WASHINGTON (August 7, 2026). The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Shan Distribution Network, Inc. is recalling approximately 5,084 pounds of frozen breaded Swai products. According to the agency, the products were produced in the United Arab Emirates, a country not eligible to export Siluriformes fish to the United States. So far, no illnesses or injuries have been reported.

Shan Distribution Network recall: quick summary

Shan Distribution Network is recalling three Al Kabeer frozen breaded Swai products produced in December 2025 with use-before dates in June 2027. Notably, FSIS discovered the issue during routine inspection activities. Additionally, the products lack a USDA mark of inspection and establishment number and were distributed to retailers across eight states.

What happened?

According to FSIS, Shan Distribution Network recalled approximately 5,084 pounds of frozen breaded Swai fish products imported from the United Arab Emirates. Specifically, regulators said the country is not eligible to export Siluriformes fish to the United States.

The products were produced in December 2025 and carry use-before dates in June 2027. During routine inspection activities, FSIS discovered the problem. Additionally, the recalled packages lack an establishment number and USDA mark of inspection.

Furthermore, the agency said the products reached retail locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. However, FSIS reported no confirmed illnesses or injuries associated with the products as of the recall announcement.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	Use Before	Issue	Distribution
Al Kabeer	Zing Fish Fillets Breaded Partially Cooked Swai Fish Fillets	13.75 oz	June 2027	Import eligibility	IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI
Al Kabeer	Fish Sticks Breaded Swai Fish	10.58 oz	June 2027	Import eligibility	IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI
Al Kabeer	Breaded Fish Fillets	330 g	June 2027	Import eligibility	IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI

What caused the issue?

The recall stems from an import compliance issue rather than a reported pathogen, allergen, or other contamination. According to FSIS, the Swai products were produced in the UAE, which is not eligible to export Siluriformes fish to the United States.

Under federal requirements, FSIS has jurisdiction over imported Siluriformes fish, including Swai. Therefore, foreign countries must establish an inspection system FSIS determines equivalent before eligible products can enter U.S. commerce. Additionally, imported Siluriformes shipments are subject to FSIS reinspection requirements.

So far, the agency has not reported illnesses or injuries connected with the recalled products. Nevertheless, consumers should follow FSIS instructions and avoid eating them.

Supply chain insight

“Country eligibility should be part of the sourcing conversation from the very beginning,” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

“Before adding an overseas supplier or product to the supply chain, importers need to understand whether that origin is approved for the specific food category. Building those checks into supplier onboarding can prevent regulatory gaps from reaching the retail level.”

Here’s what you should do

Consumers who purchased the recalled products should:

• Do not consume the affected Al Kabeer breaded Swai products.
• Check the package for one of the three recalled product names.
• Look for a use-before date in June 2027.
• Check whether the package lacks a USDA mark of inspection and establishment number.
• Throw the product away or return it to the place of purchase.
• Contact a healthcare provider if you are concerned about an illness or injury.

Consumer contact

• Contact: Shaheen James, Office Manager, Shan Distribution Network, Inc.
• Phone: 630-480-0616
• Email: [email protected]

Behind the brand

Shan Distribution Network is a Carol Stream, Illinois-based food distributor founded in 2012. Today, the company distributes food and beverage brands across the Midwest and added Al Kabeer to its portfolio in 2026.

Meanwhile, Al Kabeer has operated for more than 40 years and offers frozen meat, poultry, seafood, dough, and vegetable products. According to the company, its portfolio includes more than 300 products distributed across more than 20,000 retail outlets in GCC and international markets.

Following the recall, Source86 reached out to Shan Distribution Network for comment on how the ineligible products entered U.S. commerce but has not yet received a response.

Regulatory context

FSIS regulates Siluriformes fish and fish products imported into the United States. Under these requirements, countries seeking eligibility must demonstrate that their regulatory inspection systems provide protections equivalent to the U.S. system.

At the same time, importers play an important compliance role. According to FSIS guidance, importers are responsible for ensuring regulated products enter the country in accordance with applicable U.S. requirements.

In this case, the recall highlights why country eligibility, supplier verification, documentation, and import controls matter even when regulators have not identified a specific contamination hazard.

Ensuring safe eats

Ultimately, the Shan Distribution Network recall highlights the importance of verifying regulatory eligibility before imported food products enter U.S. commerce. For food businesses, strong supplier controls, documentation reviews, traceability, and import compliance procedures can help identify potential gaps earlier.

Swai is a Siluriformes fish that falls under USDA inspection, which surprises many seafood importers; Source86 checks the governing agency for every seafood species it imports. Importing swai, pangasius or catfish? Ask us about USDA requirements.