FDA warns against eating Haifa cold-smoked sprats over botulism risk
FDA’s October 23 alert covers all lots sold by D&M Smoked Fish, doing business as Haifa Smoked Fish, because required botulism-prevention controls were missing.
What the record says
FDA advises consumers not to eat the sprats and businesses not to sell or serve them. They may have been sold without labels at seafood counters or restaurants. Distribution is confirmed in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, with possible wider distribution. FDA says the firm declined its recommended recall; this report describes an agency warning rather than a completed voluntary recall.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Do not eat the affected sprats. If their origin cannot be established, discard them. Follow FDA’s cleaning guidance for contacted surfaces and containers. Seek immediate medical care for possible botulism symptoms.
Limits and what is not established
The warning concerns cold-smoked sprats sold by this firm. Confirmed distribution in four states does not establish that other states were unaffected.
Sources checked October 24, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: original information