Last December 10, the CFIA issued a public warning against certain batches of herring fillets sold under the Bos Brand. The herring fillets are possibly contaminated with the bacteria Clostridium botulin.

“Bos Naturally Smoked Herring Fillets – Natural” is believed to be contaminated by a bacterium that causes Botulism, a potentially fatal type of food poisoning. Botulism is caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, a common bacterial contaminant that can usually be found in un-gutted fish or seafood products. Common symptoms of food poisoning caused by this bacterium include nausea, fatigue, headache, dry throat, vomiting, dizziness and double vision. In severe cases, botulism can cause paralysis or respiratory failure. Consumers should be aware that food that has been contaminated by this bacteria does not smell or look rotten. At the time of the public warning, no incidents of food poisoning caused by the affected product have been reported.

“Bos Naturally Smoked Herring Fillets-Natural” was sold in different weight retail packs. This product was displayed in the refrigerated products area of food retail stores. The packaging of this product does not indicate any “best before date.” Ramaker’s Imports, located in St. Catharines, Ontario, was the only retailer of this product. This product was sold at the store for the whole month of September until the first week of December 2011.

Consumers who have bought the affected product (without any “best before date”) from any other retailer are advised to either dispose of it, or return it to the store where they purchased it. Ramaker’s Imports and the CFIA are working together on this product recall to ensure that it is effective and successful.