This recall notice piqued my interest only because it involved steelhead. I know steelhead. I admit I did have a failure of fish vocabulary a couple days ago and I had to look up and learn that a roach is a fish. Whereas this recall notice immediately sent my mind back to the days of my childhood growing up in the beautiful State of Michigan in Oscoda–at the mouth of the Mighty Au Sable River. That’s located approximately on the top knuckle of the index finger of the Michigan hand map. You Michiganders know what I mean…especially you Trolls. [Wink] Although I never engaged in steelhead fishing, I remember the seasonal migration of fisherman from beyond our little town during the time of spawning. Like many things, this was one of many local treasures that bring tourism commerce to this charming little town on the shores of Lake Huron.

Sorry. Enough meandering and to the purpose of this post. As of September 24,2014, Gold Star Smoked Fish Corporation, located in Brooklyn, New York, is recalling Cold Smoked Steelhead in Vacuum Pack with blue and gold label due to contamination or possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Analysis of the product by food laboratory personnel revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of the product being recalled. According to the FDA announcement, “Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy persons may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.” Please take a look at the official FDA announcement for details on lot numbers, label photos and more!

Now that my purpose has been served…back to Michigan–and steelheads. I found this cool website for the Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fisherman’s Association. The best thing is a cool looking mug they are selling there. I want one!