Fish sent to Aldi stores recalled for not meeting standards

A California company is recalling about 25,760 pounds of imported fish fillets that were distributed without meeting federal requirements. The fillets were sent to distribution centers for Aldi grocery stores in several states, including Connecticut. There are Aldi stores throughout the state, including this one in Derby. less A California company is recalling about 25,760 pounds of imported fish fillets that were distributed without meeting federal requirements. The fillets were sent to distribution centers for Aldi grocery stores ... more Photo: Autumn Driscoll / Autumn Driscoll Buy photo Photo: Autumn Driscoll / Autumn Driscoll Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Fish sent to Aldi stores recalled for not meeting standards 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A California company is recalling about 25,760 pounds of imported fish fillets that were distributed without meeting federal requirements. The fillets were sent to distribution centers for Aldi grocery stores in several states, including Connecticut.

The skinless and boneless Sea Queen brand Swai fillet items were produced and packed on March 30, 2016, in Vietnam by Golden Quality Seafood Corporation. The company is recalling all 2-pound packages containing individually wrapped pieces of “Skinless and Boneless Swai Fillets.” Swai is a kind of catfish.

The products subject to recall bear plant number FN1158, lot number SW1601-02-16090, and have a “best by” date of March 30, 2018. There are Aldi stores throughout Connecticut, including in Milford, Derby and Danbury. Aside from Connecticut items were shipped to Aldi distribution centers in Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

The problem was discovered when the customer and import establishment notified the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service of Swai products imported from Vietnam entering U.S. commerce without meeting “FSIS requirements concerning residue sampling and testing prior to entry into United States commerce.” The fish are supposed to be tested for a various of substances, including pesticides and banned antibiotics.

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn, released a statement Tuesday saying she was appalled at the oversight. “News that Vietnamese catfish is being recalled because the company dodged inspections for banned antibiotics is outrageous,” she said. “Despite the company in question breaking our nation’s food safety laws multiple times, it can continue to ship catfish to our supermarkets, putting Americans at risk. There is no denying that foreign sea food often contains dangerous and illegal toxins, but the administration’s answer is to not only allow these shipments, but encourage them through the Trans-Pacific Partnership.”

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Paul Nguyen, U.S. Cado Holdings Inc., Manager, at 714-973-2272.