Uneviscerated dried croaker fish is the subject of a new FDA safety alert issued on February 6, 2026.
This product is distributed in Asian grocery stores across several states, including Maryland. The alert concerns Prime Food Processing LLC’s dried croaker fish, which was found to be uneviscerated — meaning the internal organs were not properly removed during processing.
uneviscerated dried croaker fish FDA safety alert
This issue may seem technical, but it has real implications for food safety and consumer health. Below, we break down what happened, why it matters, and what you should do if you’ve purchased this product.
What’s Happening?
Uneviscerated Dried Croaker Fish: FDA Safety Alert Details
The FDA published a safety alert after the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) identified a serious compliance issue during routine testing. The dried croaker fish product in question was found to have not been properly eviscerated — the internal organs were still inside the fish when it was packaged and sold.
Why is this significant? Fish viscera (internal organs) can harbor bacteria, parasites, and toxins. In properly processed dried fish, these organs should be removed before drying — a standard safety step that significantly reduces the risk of foodborne illness.
As a result, Prime Food Processing LLC has issued a voluntary allergy alert and safety warning and is working with the FDA to inform retailers and consumers.
Which Product Is Affected?
- Product Name: Dried Croaker Fish
- Item Number: AF1410
- Expiration Date: December 28, 2027
- Brand: Prime Food Processing LLC (Brooklyn, NY)
This specific item was sold in Asian grocery stores across multiple states, including Maryland and other mid-Atlantic states. If you’re unsure whether a product you bought fits this description, check the item number and packaging carefully.
Why This Matters to Consumers
Food safety regulators like the FDA and state agriculture departments routinely monitor products to ensure safe manufacturing practices. Uneviscerated dried fish may:
- Retain harmful bacteria or parasites
- Allow toxin buildup inside organs
- Increase the risk of food poisoning or gastrointestinal illness
- Lead to other adverse health effects
Although no illnesses have yet been reported in connection with this product, the potential for harm is real — especially if the fish was consumed without proper cooking.
FDA’s Alert Explained
The FDA safety alert emphasizes that this is a voluntary industry recall and warning — not a mandate forced by the agency itself. However, voluntary recalls are common in food manufacturing and often occur before any confirmed illness.
Here’s a summary of what the FDA alert says:
- The NYSDAM found the product was uneviscerated during routine inspection.
- Prime Food Processing LLC issued a voluntary safety alert.
- The product was shipped to retail stores in multiple states.
- No confirmed illnesses have been linked to the product so far.
- Consumers are advised not to eat the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
This type of alert aims to remove potentially unsafe products from the food chain before they make people sick. The FDA’s role is to ensure that such warnings reach the public quickly and clearly.
What You Should Do If You’ve Bought This Product
If you or someone in your household purchased this dried croaker fish item — stop and follow these steps:
1. Stop Consumption Immediately
Do not eat the product. Even if the fish looks or smells normal, the safety issue is about internal contamination, which isn’t always detectable by sight or smell.
2. Check the Packaging
Verify the item number (AF1410) and expiration date (12-28-2027). If these match the product you bought, it falls under the safety alert.
3. Return the Product
Take the item back to the store where it was purchased. Retailers have been notified and should honor full refunds for this product.
4. Share the Info
If you know family or friends who shop at Asian groceries in your area, share the alert with them — especially if they buy dried seafood products often.
5. Contact the Company (Optional)
If you have questions or concerns:
Prime Food Processing LLC
📞 Phone: 718-963-2323
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM EST
Understanding Uneviscerated Fish — Why It’s a Problem
To appreciate why this recall matters, it’s helpful to understand a bit about fish processing:
What Is Evisceration?
Evisceration refers to removing a fish’s internal organs — including the intestines, liver, and stomach — during processing. This step is crucial because:
- Organs decompose faster than muscle meat
- They can contain higher concentrations of bacteria
- Some parasites and toxins reside in internal tissues
In dried fish production, removing organs before drying reduces the risk of contamination and spoilage.
Risks of Skipping Evisceration
When fish aren’t properly gutted before drying:
- Moisture and heat can create a breeding ground for microbes
- Organ tissues can break down and contaminate edible parts
- Risk of histamine and other toxins increases
In short, even dried fish can be unsafe if basic food safety protocols are skipped.
How Retailers and Distributors Should Respond
Retailers that stock this product should:
- Immediately remove the affected item from shelves
- Notify customers of the recall
- Offer refunds to anyone who purchased it
- Contact their distributor or supplier for return instructions
Distributors and wholesalers should stop further distribution and coordinate returns with Prime Food Processing LLC.
A Reminder About Food Safety Alerts
This incident highlights the importance of staying informed about food recalls and safety alerts. The FDA regularly updates its recall list to protect public health — especially with imported or specialty food products that may not be subject to the same oversight as mainstream packaged foods.
For the latest updates on recalls and safety warnings, visit the FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts page on fda.gov.
Final Thoughts
While this safety alert may seem specific, it illustrates a broader point: food safety standards are vital, even for traditional or artisanal foods. Products like dried fish can be delicious and culturally important, but they must be handled correctly to avoid health risks.
If you’ve purchased the affected dried croaker fish, take this alert seriously. Returning the product for a refund is the safest choice — and spreading the word helps protect others in your community.
We continue to monitor FDA safety alerts and publish updates as they are released. https://everydayanswers.online/cpsc-yetonamr-pull-string-teething-toys-recall/