- Date Issued: March 15, 2025
- Announced by: FDA on March 15, 2025
- Company Name: SeaBear Company
- Product Names: Smoked Salmon Chowder and Alehouse Clam Chowder
- Issue: Potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum
- Product Details: 12 oz dark blue pouches with various lot codes
- Action Steps: Consumers advised not to consume the products and to contact SeaBear for a full refund
Stick around to find out more about this recall!
What happened?
On March 15, 2025, SeaBear Company, based in Anacortes, Washington, issued a voluntary recall of two seafood chowders—Smoked Salmon Chowder and Alehouse Clam Chowder—due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause life-threatening illness. The company initiated the recall after a customer complaint led to the discovery of a pouch seal issue, attributed to a mechanical equipment malfunction causing incomplete seals and potential leaks.
Product details:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
SeaBear Smokehouse | Smoked Salmon Chowder | 12 oz | 0 34507 07001 3 | 10/2028 – 1/2029 | Potential C. botulinum contamination |
SeaBear Smokehouse | Alehouse Clam Chowder | 12 oz | 0 34507 07021 1 | 6/2028 – 1/2029 | Potential C. botulinum contamination |
These products were distributed through retail stores in Alaska, California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, and were also available nationwide via SeaBear’s website between October 1, 2024, and March 14, 2025.
What caused the issue?
The recall stems from a pouch seal failure, which compromised the integrity of the packaging. Without a proper vacuum seal, Clostridium botulinum—a bacterium that thrives in low-oxygen environments—could grow and produce botulinum toxin. This toxin is one of the most dangerous known to humans and can cause botulism, a severe and potentially fatal illness.
How Clostridium botulinum contaminates food
- The bacterium exists naturally in soil and water.
- In anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions, such as improperly sealed food packaging, it produces botulinum toxin.
- The toxin is heat-resistant and cannot be detected by smell, taste, or appearance.
- Even a tiny amount of the toxin can cause paralysis and other severe symptoms.
Who is at risk?
- Elderly individuals (weakened immune systems may worsen symptoms)
- Pregnant women (risk of complications)
- Infants (underdeveloped digestive systems are more vulnerable)
- Individuals with compromised immune systems
- Anyone consuming improperly stored or packaged food
Symptoms of botulism poisoning
- General weakness
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal distension
- Constipation
10 common questions you might have
- What is Clostridium botulinum?
- It’s a bacterium that can produce a deadly toxin in improperly sealed food.
- Can I tell if my chowder is contaminated?
- No. The toxin is odorless, tasteless, and invisible.
- What should I do if I already ate the recalled chowder?
- If you experience symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
- How do I check if I have an affected product?
- Look at the lot code on the back of the pouch and compare it to the recall list.
- Can I cook the toxin out of the chowder?
- No. The toxin is heat-resistant and cannot be eliminated through normal cooking.
- What happens if I ignore the recall and eat the product anyway?
- You are risking severe illness or even death from botulism.
- How did SeaBear find out about the issue?
- A customer reported a leaking pouch, leading to an internal investigation.
- Are there any confirmed cases of illness?
- No illnesses have been reported so far.
- What should I do with the recalled chowder?
- Do not eat it! Contact SeaBear for a refund.
- How can I stay updated on future recalls?
- Check the FDA website or sign up for SeaBear’s customer notifications.
Here’s what you should do
Consumers who have purchased these chowders should:
- Not consume the products, even if they appear normal.
- Check the lot codes on the back of the pouch to identify affected products.
- Contact SeaBear’s customer service at 1-800-645-3474 or [email protected] for a full refund. Customer service hours are Monday-Friday, 7 AM-5:30 PM PST.
Behind the brand
SeaBear Company, renowned for its smoked seafood products, has a longstanding reputation for quality. This recall is a proactive measure to ensure consumer safety. In recent weeks, similar recalls have occurred in the industry, such as AKT Trading Inc.’s recall of 120 packages of Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoots due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum. In addition, Tri-Union Seafoods recalled select lots of canned tuna under the Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s brand names due to a potential risk of botulism.
“Food safety goes beyond just meeting regulations—it’s about safeguarding public health and maintaining consumer trust. With high-risk products like ready-to-eat seafood, companies must implement strict testing and proactive quality control. A strong commitment to safety isn’t just a best practice—it’s a necessity for long-term success in the modern food industry.” – Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring safe eats
Food safety is paramount in the seafood industry. Contamination with Clostridium botulinum poses serious health risks, emphasizing the need for stringent quality control measures. Manufacturers must maintain proper sterilization processes and equipment maintenance to prevent such issues.
For businesses dealing in bulk, wholesale, or private label products, sourcing from suppliers with stringent safety protocols is vital. Ensure your ingredients come from trusted, high-quality sources—connect with Source86 today to find the right solutions for your needs!
