Brooklyn, New York — Consumers in six states are being urged to check their refrigerators after a smoked seafood product was recalled over possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious illness, particularly among older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc., a Brooklyn-based wholesale distributor, announced a voluntary recall of its Starfish Seafood Trio – Cold Smoked Salmon, Halibut and Trout. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration published the recall announcement on October 9, 2026.
The affected seafood was distributed to retailers in New York, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina and South Carolina. No illnesses had been reported in connection with the product at the time of the announcement.
Which Smoked Fish Product Has Been Recalled?
The recall affects a specific Starfish Seafood product containing three types of cold-smoked fish: salmon, halibut and trout. Consumers should check the packaging carefully because the recall applies to a particular lot rather than every smoked seafood product sold under the brand.
The recalled product details are:
- Product: Starfish Seafood Trio – Cold Smoked Salmon, Halibut and Trout
- Brand: Starfish Seafood
- Package size: 8 ounces (227 grams)
- Packaging: Vacuum-sealed plastic package
- Lot number: D139149161-153
- Expiration date: December 1, 2027
Consumers who have purchased the seafood should compare the lot number and expiration date printed on the package with the details listed in the recall announcement.
The expiration date is particularly important because the product may remain in a refrigerator or freezer long after its original purchase. A package that has not reached its expiration date should not be considered safe if it matches the recalled lot.
Why Was the Seafood Recalled?
According to the company announcement, the potential contamination was identified by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The finding prompted Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc. to initiate a voluntary recall.
The company is a wholesale distributor and did not manufacture the recalled seafood. It said it had notified affected customers and instructed them to stop selling and distributing the product immediately.
Retailers were also asked to identify any remaining inventory and notify their customers as appropriate.
Although no illnesses had been reported when the recall was announced, the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes prompted the precautionary action. Food recalls can be issued before illnesses occur because contaminated products may pose a health risk even when no symptoms have yet been reported.
What Is Listeria, and Why Can It Be Dangerous?
Listeria monocytogenes is a disease-causing bacterium that can contaminate food and cause an infection known as listeriosis.
The bacteria can be found in various environments, including soil, water, sewage, decaying vegetation and animals. One reason it presents a particular food safety concern is that Listeria can survive and grow at refrigerator temperatures.
Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, severe headache, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In more serious cases, the infection can spread beyond the digestive system and cause severe complications.
Certain groups face a greater risk of serious illness. These include pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborns, older adults and people whose immune systems are weakened.
For pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to severe pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth or premature delivery. In vulnerable individuals, the infection can become life-threatening.
Anyone who has eaten the recalled product and develops concerning symptoms should contact a healthcare professional. People at higher risk should seek medical advice promptly if they suspect possible exposure.
What Should Consumers Do With the Recalled Fish?
Consumers who purchased the affected Starfish Seafood Trio are advised not to eat the product.
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According to the company, customers should return the recalled seafood to the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone who discovers a matching package should keep it separate from other food and avoid serving it to family members or guests.
Because Listeria can survive under refrigeration, simply keeping the product cold does not eliminate the potential risk. Consumers should also avoid assuming that a product is safe because it looks, smells or tastes normal.
If the seafood has been opened, consumers should take care to prevent its juices or packaging from contaminating other foods and food-contact surfaces. Any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the product should be cleaned thoroughly.
Six States Affected as Recall Investigation Continues
The recall covers retailers in New York, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina and South Carolina. Consumers in these states should pay particular attention to the product identification details, especially if they regularly purchase cold-smoked seafood.
The absence of reported illnesses is reassuring, but it does not mean the recalled product is safe to consume. The recall remains an important precaution intended to reduce the possibility of exposure to harmful bacteria.
Consumers should check their packages, follow the company’s refund instructions and monitor official updates for any additional information about the affected product.
Have you purchased Starfish Seafood Trio recently? Check the lot number and expiration date, and share this recall alert with friends and family in the affected states. Let us know in the comments if you have seen this product in a store near you.
