Moscahlades Bros Inc. of Paterson, NJ is recalling Hellas Golden Double Smoked Herring because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life­ threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

Hellas Golden Double Smoked Herring was distributed to IL, MD, MI, MA, NC, NY, and NJ. The product was sold in retail stores.

The product is in vacuum pack clear plastic packaging with a white label. The brand name is HELLAS from KARAGOUNIS BROS SA and imported by MOSCAHLADES BROS INC. There are two lots. LOT# L180314F33, Production date 18/3/14, Best Before 18/3/15, shipped March 2014. The second lot production date is 14/10/2014, Best Before 14/10/2015, Lot# L141014F33 shipped October 2014.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

During a routine inspection by FDA of Karagounis Bros SA in Greece it was discovered the herring was uneviscerated.

Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Botulism outbreaks. The Botulism lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Botulism and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $600 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Botulism lawyers have litigated Botulism cases stemming from outbreaks traced to carrot juice and chili.