Brooklyn Herring Product Recalled, No Illnesses Reported

A Brooklyn company is recalling a packaged herring product, but don’t worry—no illnesses have been reported.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets announced that Four Seasons Dairy Inc. ­– located at 255 58th St. in Brooklyn – is recalling herring "Fillet Atlantic Recipe in Oil" due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. 

The recalled herring product was packaged in a one-pound clear plastic tub with a white plastic lid. A label on the bottom of the package shows an expiration date of 12/11/12. According to the FDA, the product was sold at retail locations in the New York City area, though does not give specific store names.

"We don't carry Four Seasons Dairy," said Pete Shelsky of Shelsky's Smoked Fish on Smith Street, when reached for comment. But he was happy to offer alternatives: "We do carry Acme herring and a French oak-smoked herring from France." 

Likewise, Union Market representatives at the Court St. location said they do not stock the recalled product. "The only brand we carry is Smoke House Herring," stated one of the merchants.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail, or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.

Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms like high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

If you’ve purchased store-made herring "Fillet Atlantic Recipe in Oil,” the FDA urges you to toss it out, or return the product to the store of purchase. Consumers with questions may call (718) 567-7877.