Dye-tainted catfish spur 7-state recall

Heartland Catfish Co., of Itta Bena, Miss., has recalled 69,016 pounds of catfish products, although no adverse reactions have been confirmed and the health risk has been deemed low by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Agriculture Department said the recalled products were produced on Feb. 16 and were shipped in 15- and 30-pound boxes to retailers in Arkansas, Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Texas and Vermont.

The USDA classified the situation as having a “remote probability” of adverse health consequences.

The products, both fresh and frozen, were found to be tainted with a dye called leucomalachite green, used as an antifungal drug and to detect invisible blood stains in fish.