SCOTTISH salmon packs have been recalled over a health concern over "inadequate procedures" to control a food poisoning bacteria.
Food Standards Scotland has ordered the recall of two salmon products sold under the Ru An Fhoder Smokehouse brand produced by JC Morris and Son in Fife.
The decision comes after concerns were raised about inadequate procedures to control Clostridium Botulinum.
It is estimated a few hundred packs are affected and some 50 to 60 have already been returned.
The products have been described as posing a "possible health risk".
The packs involved contain either Scottish farmed hot smoked salmon or Scottish farmed smoked salmon (cold smoked).
Source: Food Standards Scotland
No other Ru An Fhoder Smokehouse products, which come from a company based at St Monans are known to be affected.
Bill Morris, owner of JC Morris said that he had put out the product recall himself after testing discovered a lower than normal salt content.
"You have a 21-day shelf life but you need a certain percentage of salt in your products to guarantee your shelf life. If the salt content is below average then there is a danger of Clostridium Botulinum growing in a vacuum packed bag.
"We got it stopped pretty quick. I would reckon there is a couple of hundred out there but a lot of my customers are mobile fish vans, so probably their customers will be buying for their tea. The problem is if someone keeps it in their fridge and uses it after the sell-by date or puts it in the freezer and hauls it out at a later date to have after the sell-by date."
Clostridium Botulinum bacteria grows on food and produces toxins that, when ingested, cause paralysis.
Studies have shown that there is a 35 to 65 percent chance of death for patients who are not treated immediately and effectively with botulism antitoxin.
The alert covers:
Scottish Farmed Hot Smoked Salmon (vacuum packed). Pack size: Individual salmon fillet portions and salmon sides. Use By Date: Up to and including 6 May 2018
Scottish Farmed Smoked Salmon (cold smoked) (vacuum packed). Pack size: Individual salmon portions, trimmings and salmon sides. Use By Date: Up to and including 6 May 2018
Packs which have an additional oval EC approval number within the date period are not affected.
The FSS said that customers who believe they have packs of either product have been advised not to eat it, but to return it to the store where it was bought for a full refund.
JC Morris and Sons have been producing smoked fish and seafood products in the East Neuk village since 1974, selling locally and nationally under the Ru An Fhodar Smokehouse brand.
Freshly caught salmon, herring, mackerel and mussels are prepared in Ru An Fhodar Smokehouse.
Products are delivered to a wide variety of outlets throughout the UK including shops, restaurants and caterers.
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