NY recalls herring due to Listeria

The New York state Department of Agriculture and Markets alerted consumers it is recalling Fillet Atlantic Recipe in Oil due to the presence of Listeria. The contamination was discovered after testing by New York state Department of Agriculture and Markets Food inspectors. Subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, officials said. Sale of the product has been suspended, officials said. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem, officials said. The recalled herring Fillet Atlantic Recipe in Oil product was packaged in a 1 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. The product was sold at retail locations in the New York City area, state officials said. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail, or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy persons may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Consumers who have purchased store-made herring Fillet Atlantic Recipe in Oil product are urged to discard the product or return the product to the place of purchase, state officials said.