Mississippi catfish company recalls 34.5 tons of fish

The discovery of a banned substance in a massive delivery of fish has forced a Mississippi Delta-based fish company to issue a recall of its product.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service, Itta Bena's Heartland Catfish Company on Friday recalled 69,016 pounds, or 34.5 tons of catfish products believed to be contaminated with leucomalachite green.

The various catfish products were produced Feb. 16 and bear establishment number "EST. 45777" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The items were shipped to retail stores in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Texas and Vermont. 

During routine FSIS sampling March 8, violative levels of leucomalachite green were discovered in the products. Also known as malachite green, it is an effective topical fungicide that has been implemented in certain countries to treat external fungal and parasitic infections in fish and is also used as a fish hatchery disinfectant. 

It is also an industrial dye used in the manufacturing of things like paper and textiles. Though there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products, it has been banned in several countries, including the U.S. and Canada, due to its supposed mutagenic properties.

Any consumers concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. Those who have purchased these products are urged to discard them or return them to the place of purchase. 

Do not eat:Should we really have to warn people not to eat Tide Pods?