Royal Baltic Ltd. Press Release re Listeria - Several States involved.

Importance: High

The firm will be sending this press release to Associated Press in Washington DC shortly: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 24, 2003

Vladimir Furleiter (718) 385-8300

ROYAL BALTIC LTD. RECALLS SMOKED OR CURED FISH PRODUCTS BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK

ROYAL BALTIC LTD. of Brooklyn, New York is recalling the following Royal Baltic brand fish products:

(1) Approximately 4500 lbs. of IMPERIAL-EUROPEAN STYLE SALMON, BULK WEIGHT, CODES STARTING WITH NUMBERS 129xxxx THROUGH 203xxxx;

(2) 1620 jars of HERRING IN OIL in glass jars, NET WT. 16 OZS. (1 LB.), CODES 2140803 and 1740623; and

(3) approximately 454 packages of SALMON, SEA BASS, 8 OZ. VARIETY PACK, CODES "0521", or "PROD DATE 21 05 2003", "BEST BEFORE 21 09 2003". The symbol "xxxx" is used as a substitute for the actual dates in the package codes.

The above products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The above products/codes were distributed to retail stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, and Maryland. Distribution also included one distributor in New Jersey who further shipped the Salmon, Sea Bass Variety Pack to the former Soviet states.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This recall action is the result of FDA's notification that sampling and inspections revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria.

Consumers who have purchased the above products and codes are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (718) 385-8300.