Terra Medi LLC Recalls Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring Over Potential Clostridium botulinum Contamination

LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. (May 20, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Terra Medi LLC is recalling its Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring because the company improperly eviscerated the fish, creating a potential risk for Clostridium botulinum contamination. According to the FDA, Terra Medi LLC distributed the recalled product to retail stores and wholesale distributors in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois, and New York.

Hellas Meze recall: quick summary

According to the FDA, Terra Medi LLC initiated the recall after inspectors discovered that the company had failed to properly eviscerate the smoked herring before processing. Regulators said uneviscerated fish can increase the risk of botulism because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to concentrate in the viscera. Terra Medi LLC sold the affected product refrigerated in vacuum-sealed plastic packaging with a production date of April 12, 2025, and a best-before date of April 12, 2026. Although no illnesses have been reported so far, the company urges consumers not to eat the product and to return it for a refund.

What happened?

The FDA said Terra Medi LLC initiated the recall after New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets inspectors sampled the product and determined it violated state regulations regarding uneviscerated fish. The company told regulators the issue was identified following laboratory analysis conducted by Food Laboratory personnel.

The recall involves Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring sold refrigerated in clear vacuum-sealed plastic packaging. The affected product includes a production date of April 12, 2025, a best-before date of April 12, 2026, and a lot code of L120425F54.

According to the FDA, Terra Medi LLC distributed the product to retail stores and wholesale distributors across Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois, and New York. Regulators noted that New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations prohibit the sale of uneviscerated fish because botulism spores are more likely to concentrate in the fish viscera.

In its recall alert, the FDA warned that “uneviscerated fish has been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.” The agency also stated that consumers may experience symptoms including “dizziness, blurred or double vision, and trouble with speaking or swallowing.”

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	Best by date	Issue	Affected states
Hellas Meze	Golden Smoked Whole Herring	Single whole fish	4/12/2026	Improper evisceration and potential Clostridium botulinum contamination	MA, NJ, IL, NY

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, Terra Medi LLC triggered the recall after the company improperly eviscerated the smoked herring before packaging. When processors do not fully clean fish, the viscera can harbor Clostridium botulinum spores, which may grow in low-oxygen environments such as vacuum-sealed packaging.

Botulism is a rare but potentially life-threatening illness caused by toxins produced by the bacteria. The agency confirmed symptoms may include blurred or double vision, dizziness, difficulty speaking or swallowing, muscle weakness, abdominal swelling, constipation, and breathing problems.

Young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems may face higher risks of severe illness. Company officials said no illnesses linked to the recalled fish have been reported to date.

Questions you might have

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume the recalled fish, even if it looks or smells normal
• Return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund
• Check the packaging for the production date, best-before date, and lot code
• Look for refrigerated vacuum-sealed packaging containing a whole smoked herring
• Consumers with questions can contact Terra Medi LLC at 718-932-9293

Behind the brand

Terra Medi LLC is a Long Island City, New York-based importer and distributor specializing in Mediterranean and European food products. The company markets seafood, specialty grocery products, and traditional prepared foods under several brands, including Hellas Meze.

The company’s recall notice states that it is cooperating with regulators following the discovery of the improperly eviscerated fish. Terra Medi LLC also noted that customers should immediately stop consuming the affected product and seek refunds through their retailers.

Other relevant recalls

This recall follows several recent seafood and contamination-related recalls reported across the food industry. Similar incidents involving smoked fish and botulism concerns have affected multiple brands in recent years, highlighting ongoing challenges in seafood processing and packaging oversight. Earlier this year, Shining Sea Fish Co. recalled Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring over possible Clostridium botulinum contamination, raising similar concerns about seafood safety and proper processing procedures.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said recalls like this demonstrate the importance of rigorous supplier verification and traceability throughout the food supply chain.

“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,” Mizrahi said.

Broader pattern

This recall adds to a growing series of seafood recalls tied to contamination and processing concerns in the United States. Food safety regulators have increased scrutiny of vacuum-packed seafood products because low-oxygen packaging environments can heighten the risk of bacterial growth when companies do not process products correctly.

Industry analysts say recalls involving smoked fish underscore the importance of strong hazard analysis programs, supplier audits, and temperature control practices throughout distribution networks.

Ensuring safe eats

The Terra Medi LLC recall highlights the critical role that proper seafood processing procedures play in protecting public health. Even a single processing error can expose consumers to serious health risks, especially when companies package products in vacuum-sealed environments.

Food manufacturers and importers must strengthen FSQA programs, improve traceability systems, and maintain tighter oversight of supplier operations to reduce recall risks. Consumers who purchased the recalled Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring should avoid eating it and return it immediately for a refund.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, co-manufacturing relationships, and private label production with transparency and precision, helping supply chains respond quickly and responsibly when recalls occur. Contact us.