- Date Issued: June 11, 2025
- Announced By: USDA’s FSIS on June 12, 2025
- Company Name: Starway International Group, LLC
- Product Name: Cá Viên Trắng White Fish Balls & Cá Viên Chiên Fried Fish Balls
- Issue: Imported from a non-approved facility in Vietnam
- Product Details: Frozen fish balls in 16-oz. and 2-kg bags
- What to Do: Do not eat. Return or discard product.
- Call to Action: Wanna know what makes a fish ball unfit for the U.S. market? Stick around!
What Happened?
On June 11, 2025, Starway International Group, LLC, based in Maspeth, NY, issued a recall of over 9,500 pounds of frozen Siluriformes fish ball products. The reason? These slippery little guys came from a Vietnamese facility that lacks authorization to export Siluriformes (catfish family) to the United States.
FSIS inspectors discovered the issue during a routine check at a retail store in Massachusetts. Authorities deemed the products ineligible for sale in the U.S. because they lack the required USDA mark of inspection, even though no health issues have been reported so far.
Here’s what you need to know:
Brand | Product | Size | Item Number | Best By Date | Issue |
Starway | White Fish Balls | 16 oz | 81142103 | Not Specified | Imported from ineligible facility |
Starway | White Fish Balls | 2 kg | 81142102 | Not Specified | Same as above |
Starway | Fried Fish Balls | 16 oz | 81142101 | Not Specified | Same as above |
Starway | Fried Fish Balls | 2 kg | 81142100 | Not Specified | Same as above |
What Caused the Issue?
The root of the problem lies in importing fish products from a Vietnamese facility not approved by the USDA to handle and export Siluriformes (which includes catfish and related species). In the United States, the USDA’s FSIS has strict oversight for these types of products to ensure food safety standards are met—from sourcing to processing and packaging.
When products are imported from unapproved sources:
- They bypass critical inspections, including pathogen testing, facility sanitation checks, and traceability assessments.
- There’s no USDA establishment number or mark of inspection—making them technically illegal for U.S. retail.
- Undetected contamination, mislabeling, or incorrect storage practices may exist due to lack of regulatory oversight.
Although no illnesses have been reported, the lack of inspection introduces a range of potential health threats, especially for high-risk consumers.
Customers Most at Risk:
- Young children
- Pregnant individuals
- Elderly adults
- Immunocompromised people
Potential Symptoms if Contaminated:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
While none of these products have been confirmed to cause illness, FSIS emphasizes that consuming uninspected seafood products carries a risk, especially if they were improperly handled or stored prior to sale.
10 Common Customer Questions & Answers
1. What’s wrong with these fish balls?
They were imported from a facility in Vietnam that isn’t approved by the USDA to export Siluriformes fish. That means they were not inspected for safety.
2. Were any of the products contaminated?
No contamination has been confirmed, but because there was no USDA inspection, contamination cannot be ruled out.
3. Can I still eat the product if it looks and smells fine?
No. The USDA recommends throwing it away or returning it to the place of purchase. Appearance isn’t a reliable safety indicator.
4. What exactly is Siluriformes fish?
Siluriformes is the scientific order that includes catfish and related fish species. These are regulated under specific USDA guidelines.
5. How do I know if I bought one of these recalled items?
Check the label for item numbers 81142100–81142103. If you see one of these and there’s no USDA inspection mark, it’s part of the recall.
6. Where were these products sold?
They were shipped nationwide to various retail locations.
7. What should I do if I already ate one of these fish balls?
Monitor for symptoms like stomach cramps, nausea, or fever. Contact a healthcare provider if you feel unwell.
8. Is Starway International Group a trusted brand?
While this is a significant recall, no previous public recalls are listed. However, importing from non-approved facilities raises concerns.
9. Can retailers still sell these?
No. Retailers have been instructed to pull them from shelves immediately.
10. Who can I contact with questions?
Consumers can call Starway at 718-417-1888 or contact the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.
Here’s What You Should Do
- Check the label: Look for item numbers 81142100 to 81142103
- Verify inspection: No USDA mark = not safe for U.S. consumption
- Dispose properly: Throw it away or return it to the place of purchase
- Report issues: Visit FSIS online complaint portal for concerns
- Need help? Call Starway at 718-417-1888 or email [email protected]
Behind the Brand
Starway International Group, LLC is a New York-based importer that specializes in international frozen food products. This is their first major headline-making recall. Importing from a non-compliant source is a serious breach of protocol in the food industry.
This event mirrors other recent recalls involving regulatory violations or oversight issues:
- Fijian Import & Export Co. Inc. recalled approximately 127 pounds of imported FOUR ‘N TWENTY Traveller Philly Cheesesteak Pastries because the company failed to present the meat pies to the USDA’s FSIS for mandatory import reinspection—a required safety protocol for all meat and poultry products entering the U.S.
- On April 30, 2025, Ferrarini USA, Inc. recalled around 70 pounds of its imported, ready-to-eat sliced prosciutto because the meat skipped a critical step in its U.S. debut—mandatory import reinspection by the USDA’s FSIS.
- On March 31, 2025, Allen Family Foods recalled their White Chicken Chili due to import reinspection oversight
“When imported foods skip essential inspections, it’s not just a procedural error—it’s a direct risk to consumer safety. This recall underscores how vital regulatory oversight and trustworthy sourcing are in keeping our food system safe and reliable.” says Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring Safe Eats
This recall highlights the importance of traceability, approved sourcing, and USDA inspection compliance—especially for imported goods. For food businesses, cutting corners can lead to major disruptions, legal exposure, and consumer distrust.
To protect your customers and your brand:
- Vet international suppliers thoroughly
- Verify all certifications and inspection compliance
- Establish transparent traceability systems
- Conduct internal audits to catch issues early
Reminder: If you’ve bought these fish balls—check the item number, confirm the absence of a USDA inspection mark, and act quickly. Better safe than sorry.
For safer, high-quality, and fully traceable ingredients, talk to the Source86 team. We’re here to help you keep your supply chain clean and compliant.
