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Histamines Spur Recall of Yellow Fin Tuna

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

A Louisiana-based supermarket chained is recalling frozen wild-caught yellow fin tuna steaks because of potentially elevated levels of histamine.
Rouses Markets said Saturday that the previously frozen fish was sold in the two states where it operates: Louisiana and Mississippi. Rouses Market has removed the affected product from all seafood cases.
The wild-caught yellow fin tuna steaks are labeled as a product of USA with a UPC Code beginning with 208732 sold at Rouses Markets with sell-by dates between Dec. 1, 2010 and Jan. 27, 2011. The recall does not impact any other fish or seafood sold by Rouses Markets.
High levels of histamine can produce an allergic reaction, called histamine fish poisoning or scrombroid fish poisoning, that may result in symptoms that generally appear within minutes to an hour after eating the affected fish. There have been two reported incidents by consumers.
In a news release, Rouses Markets said it feels that while these were isolated incidents, "this is the responsible reaction, and that every precautionary measure should be taken when it comes to customers' health and safety."
The most common symptoms of histamine or scromboid fish poisoning are tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, facial swelling, rash, hives and itchy skin, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; these symptoms usually resolve within several hours without medical intervention. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently; if symptoms are severe an individual may need to seek medical attention for treatment with antihistamines.
Consumers who have wild-caught yellow fin tuna steaks in their freezer with the indicated UPC code and sell-by dates may return the product to the store for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company by calling 1-800-688-5998, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central Time.

 

Full post as published by Food Safety News on February 06, 2011 (boomark / email).