MDA issues consumer advisory for uneviscerated fish sold from Shwe Karen Market

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is issuing a consumer advisory for dried, uneviscerated fish sold from Shwe Karen Market of St. Paul, Minnesota, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death.

The product of concern is dried fish more than five inches in length and still containing the viscera (internal organs) of the fish. The product was packaged in 1 kilogram clear plastic bags labeled “Dried Fish” and sold from Shwe Karen Market between February 5 and March 2, 2017.

Consumers should discard the product and are warned to not eat the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. There have been no reports of illness associated with this product. Shwe Karen Market is cooperating with the MDA.

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.