Smoked salmon and clam chowders recalled in the US due to botulism risk

Seabear Company of Anacortes, WA, has recalled its Smoked Salmon Chowder and Alehouse Clam Chowder after discovering a possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium causing botulism. The recalled products were distributed to retail stores in several states, including California, and sold nationwide on the company’s website between October 2024 and March 2025. The contamination is probably due to a mechanical issue that caused incomplete seals on some pouches, creating the conditions for microbial growth inside them. Retailers should not sell the affected products, and consumers should not use them. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed early symptoms of botulism should immediately seek medical attention.
Clostridium botulinum produces a deadly toxin that contaminates food without noticeable changes in appearance and smell. If ingested, the toxin results in severe poisoning that can lead to death. Symptoms generally start 18 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated food and include double vision, slurred speech, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing. The symptoms result from muscle paralysis caused by the toxin. If untreated, botulism may lead to the paralysis of vital body parts, resulting in the patient’s death.