Vancouver Coastal Health is warning customers of Finest at Sea Ocean Products not to consume certain ready to eat seafood products.

British Columbia Image/EOZyo
British Columbia
Image/EOZyo

Four different varieties of fish products sold under the brand name “Bruno’s Best” have been recalled because they could potentially grow Clostridium botulinum. The products were sold at Finest at Sea’s 4675 Arbutus and 1805 Mast Tower, Granville Island locations in Vancouver, B.C., between June 1 and October 7, 2014. Customers are being advised to either throw the products out or return them to either of these stores.

The affected products include Bruno’s Best House Smoked BC Sardines, Bruno’s Best House Smoked Pacific Oysters, Bruno’s Best BC Octopus Conserva and Bruno’s Best Tuna Confit.

During an inspection, inspectors discovered that these products were not processed using a validated method consistent with food safety standards. The retailer has stopped selling the items and is fully cooperating.

Clostridium botulinum toxin in food or beverages can cause foodborne botulism, which is a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial illness. Food contaminated with the toxin may not look or smell spoiled, but when ingested can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dry throat, respiratory failure or paralysis. Most people with botulism develop symptoms 12 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated food. Foodborne botulism poisoning is extremely rare and no illnesses associated with the consumption of the recalled products have been reported.