Category Archives: scombroid poisoning

USA – Investigation of Scombrotoxin Fish Poisoning Linked to Yellowfin/Ahi Tuna, Fall 2019

Posted on December 27, 2019 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 50
Hospitalizations: 1
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: November 24, 2019
States with Cases: DE (6), MA (2), MD (4), MN (2), NJ (2), NY (6), OH (11), PA (6), RI (3), VT (7), WV (1)

December 26, 2019

FDA has determined that recalls of yellowfin tuna supplied by Truong Phu Xanh Co., LTD have not effectively removed  potentially harmful products from the market. FDA recommends that importers, suppliers, distributors, restaurants, and retailers who purchased tuna from one of the importers listed should confirm that it was not tuna supplied by Truong Phu Xanh Co., LTD with a production date in 2019.  If it was it should be destroyed or discarded. These firms are being named to effectuate the removal of product from the market due to the reporting of additional illnesses linked to product from Truong Phu Xanh Co., LTD. The following companies imported tuna from Truong Phu Xanh Co., LTD:

  • Mical Seafood Inc. (Davie, FL)
  • Northern Fisheries LTD. (Little Compton, RI)
  • Alfa International Seafood Inc. (Medley, FL)
  • Aquabest Seafood LLC (Miami, FL)
  • Gamma Seafood Corporation (Medley, FL)
  • J. DeLuca Fish Company, Inc. (San Pedro, CA)
  •  Sym-Pac International Inc. (Corona, CA)
  • Worldwide Seafood Products LLC (Perth Amboy, NJ)

Recommendations

Yellowfin tuna from Truong Phu Xanh Co., LTD with a production date in 2019 should not be consumed because it may have the potential to cause scombrotoxin fish poisoning. Tuna from this supplier could have been sold thawed or frozen; and could have been sold as ground tuna meat, poke cubes, steaks, or loins; this product could still be within its shelf life.­­ Anyone who received tuna from this supplier should not sell, serve, or consume it and should discard it. If you purchased tuna from one of the importers listed above you should confirm that it was not tuna supplied by Truong Phu Xanh Co., LTD with a production date in 2019.

Scombrotoxin fish poisoning occurs when fish is not properly chilled or preserved and begins to spoil, resulting in increased histamine levels. Histamine cannot be destroyed by freezing or cooking.

Importers, Suppliers, and Distributors:

Importers, suppliers, and distributors should not use and should discard or destroy any yellowfin tuna imported from Truong Phu Xanh Co., LTD with a production date in 2019.

Restaurants and Retailers:

Restaurants and retailers should contact their suppliers to confirm the source of their yellowfin tuna because not all product was distributed in packaging that identifies Truong Phu Xanh Co., LTD. Yellowfin tuna imported from this company with a production date in 2019 should not be used, served, repacked, or sold; and should be discarded.

Consumers:

While restaurants and retailers should have removed yellowfin tuna with a production date in 2019 from the Vietnamese supplier Truong Phu Xanh Co., LTD, consumers should ask if the yellowfin tuna being served or sold was imported from the Vietnamese supplier Truong Phu Xanh Co., LTD and has a production date in 2019.

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Toxin, Histamine, Scombroid, scombroid poisoning, Uncategorized

USA-Northern Fisheries LTD. Voluntary Expanded Tuna Recall Press Release

Posted on November 26, 2019 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Northern Fisheries LTD of Little Compton, RI, has expanded their voluntary recall of frozen, wild-caught yellowfin Tuna Medallions (product of Vietnam) to include product sold directly to consumers. This recall is due to potentially elevated levels of histamine. Elevated levels of histamines can produce an allergic reaction called scombroid fish poisoning that may result in symptoms that can generally appear within minutes to several hours after eating the affected fish.

The most common symptoms of histamine or scombroid 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 should seek immediate medical attention for treatment.

These tuna products were sold to customers in: CT, MI, MN, RI and WI.

ALL LOTS WITH PRODUCTION DATE: 06/13/2019 UPC Code: 815838020638

Production date and UPC Code can be found on back of the Tuna King Brand rider card.

BRAND DESCRIPTION PRODUCTION DATE: NORTHERN
LOT #		 UPC CODE
Tuna King Tuna Medallions 2-3oz 10x1lb 06/13/2019 0058797 815838020638

Customers who received products with the listed Production Date of: 06/13/2019 should not consume them and should discard them immediately.

Customers with questions or concerns may contact Northern Fisheries LTD by calling (401) 592-0600, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern Time or email.

northfish@northfishltd.com

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Histamine, Scombroid, scombroid poisoning, Uncategorized

USA – Is Truong Phu Xanh Yellowfin Tuna Linked to Scombrotoxin Outbreak?

Posted on November 20, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

The FDA has released a notice about their investigation of Scombrotoxin fish poisoning that is linked to yellowfin tuna. As a result of this investigation, the government has placed Truong Phu Xanh Company of Vietnam on Import Alert, so the FDA field staff can detain the product without physical examination. This fish cannot enter the US unless the importer proves it meets U.S. food safety standards.

FDA

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Scombroid, scombroid poisoning, Uncategorized

USA -Scombroid Poisoning Associated with All Water Seafood in Seattle, WA

Posted on November 14, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

An outbreak of scombroid poisoning is associated with All Water Seafood & Oyster Bar, located in the Loews Hotel 1000, at 1001 1st Avenue in Seattle, Washington. Three people are sick in this outbreak. They ate tuna at that restaurant on November 4, 2019; all patients are from one party. No one has been hospitalized.

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Histamine, Scombroid, scombroid poisoning, Uncategorized

Research – Effect of Vacuum Packaging on Histamine Production in Japanese Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus niphonius) Stored at Various Temperatures

Posted on November 5, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Journal of Food Protection

ABSTRACT

The effect of polyethylene packaging (PEP) in air cushion and vacuum packaging (VP) on histamine related to the quality of Japanese Spanish mackerel (JS mackerel) was studied with samples stored at −20, 4, 15, and 25°C. The aerobic plate count (APC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), and histamine concentrations of the PEP and VP samples stored at 25°C increased as the storage time continued. The PEP and VP samples stored at temperatures below 15°C showed lower levels of APC, TVBN, and histamine, with VP samples having considerably lower levels of APC, TVBN, and histamine than PEP samples. For the frozen JS mackerel stored at −20°C for 2 months and then thawed and stored at 25°C, the VP treatment delayed the increases of TVBN and histamine longer than did the PEP treatment. Thus, the storage of VP JS mackerel at temperatures below 4°C could prevent quality deterioration and extend shelf life.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Lower APC, TVBN, and histamine were found in VP samples than PEP samples.

  • VP delayed TVBN, and histamine increased at 25°C in thawed JS mackerel.

  • VP JS mackerel below 4°C prevented quality deterioration and extended shelf life.

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Posted in Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Histamine, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Research, Scombroid, scombroid poisoning, Uncategorized

USA -Mical Seafood Inc. Voluntarily Expands Tuna Recall for Possible Scombroid Poisoning

Posted on October 17, 2019 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Mical Seafood, Inc. of Cooper City, FL, has voluntarily initiated an expanded recall of frozen, wild-caught yellowfin Tuna Loins, Tuna Poke, Tuna Steaks, Tuna Ground Meat, and Tuna Saku (products of Vietnam) due to potentially elevated levels of histamine. Elevated levels of histamines can produce an allergic reaction called scombroid fish poisoning that may result in symptoms that can generally appear within minutes to several hours after eating the affected fish.

The most common symptoms of histamine or scombroid 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 should seek immediate medical attention for treatment.

These tuna products were wholesaled to customers in: AL, CA, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NV, NY, PA, RI, TX, UT, VA and WI.

ALL LOTS WITH PRODUCTION DATES: 04/01/2019 TO 05/31/2019

Production dates can be found on the ends of the Mical Brand master cases. These dates are stamped on to the masters as they are produced.

BRAND

DESCRIPTION

PACK

ORIGIN
Mical Seafood Tuna Loins AAA 3-5LB IVP 30 LB Vietnam
Mical Seafood Tuna Loins AAA 5-8LB IVP 30 LB Vietnam
Mical Seafood Tuna Poke AAA 1.5 cm IVP 10 LB Vietnam
Mical Seafood Tuna Poke AAA 2cm IVP 10 LB Vietnam
Mical Seafood Tuna Steaks AAA 4oz, 6oz, 8oz, 10oz IVP 10 LB Vietnam
Mical Seafood Tuna Steaks AA 4oz, 6oz, 8oz, 10oz IVP 10 LB Vietnam
Mical Seafood Tuna Ground Meat AAA IVP 10 LB Vietnam
Mical Seafood Tuna Saku AAA 8-12oz IVP 10 LB Vietnam
Mical Seafood Tuna Saku AAA 12-16oz IVP 10 LB Vietnam

Customers who received products with the listed Production Dates of: 04/01/2019 to 05/31/2019 should not consume them. Inventory should be quarantined until returned to the supplier or to Mical Seafood, Inc.

Customers with questions or concerns may contact the company’s Recall Team: (Jennifer Gonzalez or Margarita Alzugaray) by calling (954) 935-0133, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern Time.

Link to Original Recall

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Histamine, Scombroid, scombroid poisoning, Uncategorized

USA – Four Sick with Scombroid After Eating Mical Seafood Tuna Products

Posted on October 7, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

Four people are sick since 10/01/2019 with scombroid poisoning after eating Mical Seafood tuna. The company is voluntarily recalling frozen, wild-caught yellowfin tuna poke cubes, tuna loins, tuna ground meat, and 6 ounce tuna steaks because they may have elevated histamine levels. This is the third time in about the last month that yellowfin tuna products have been associated with scombroid poisoning.

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Histamine, Scombroid, scombroid poisoning, Uncategorized

USA – Mical Seafood Inc Recalls Tuna Products for Possible Scombroid Poisoning

Posted on October 4, 2019 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Company Announcement

Mical Seafood, Inc. of Cooper City, FL, voluntarily initiated a recall of frozen, wild-caught yellowfin tuna poke cubes, tuna loins, tuna ground meat and 6oz tuna steaks because of potentially elevated levels of histamine. Elevated levels of histamines can produce an allergic reaction called scombroid fish poisoning that may result in symptoms that can generally appear within minutes to several hours after eating the affected fish.

The most common symptoms of histamine or scombroid 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 should seek immediate medical attention for treatment.

These tuna products were sold to customers in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, California Michigan, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten and Grand Cayman.

The tuna products have production dates between 04/02/2019 to 05/14/2019.

Product Name

Brand

Size

Lot Number

Production Date
Tuna Poke 2cm AAA IVP Mical Seafood 10lb 23910 04/09/2019
Tuna Poke 2cm AAA IVP Mical Seafood 10lb 24046 04/20/2019
Tuna Poke 2cm AAA IVP Mical Seafood 10lb 25324 04/27/2019
Tuna Loins 5-8lb AAA IVP Mical Seafood 30lb 20799 04/02/2019
Tuna Loins 5-8lb AAA IVP Mical Seafood 30lb 24037 04/09/2019
Tuna Loins 5-8lb AAA IVP Mical Seafood 30lb 24279 04/24/2019
Tuna Loins 5-8lb AAA IVP Mical Seafood 30lb 23020 05/10/2019
Tuna Ground Meat AAA IVP Mical Seafood 10lb 25694 05/14/2019
Tuna Steaks 6z AA IVP Mical Seafood 10lb 23906 04/20/2019

Four reported illnesses have been confirmed as of 10/01/2019. While Mical Seafood feels these were isolated incidents, it has initiated this voluntary recall to take every precautionary measure when it comes to customers’ health and safety.

Customers who received products from Lot # 23910, 24046, 25324, 20799, 24037, 24279, 23020. 25694, and 23906 with Production Dates of: 04/02/2019, 4/09/2019, 04/20/2019, 04/24/2019, 04/27/2019, 05/10/2019 and 05/14/2019 should not consume them. Inventory should be quarantined until returned to the supplier or to Mical Seafood, Inc. for a full refund.

Customers with questions or concerns may contact the company’s Recall Team: (Jennifer Gonzalez or Margarita Alzugaray) by calling (954) 935-0133, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern Time.

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Posted in FDA, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Histamine, Scombroid, scombroid poisoning, Uncategorized

USA – FDA Advises Consumers Not to Eat Yellowfin Tuna Steaks from Kroger Retail Stores in Multiple States

Posted on September 9, 2019 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Audience

  • Consumers who recently experienced symptoms of scombroid poisoning after eating yellowfin tuna steaks.
  • Consumers who purchased yellowfin tuna steaks from Kroger retail stores in AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, MS, NE, OH, SC, TN, VA and WV with sell by dates from August 29, 2019 to September 14, 2019.

Product

  • Yellowfin tuna steaks sold at Kroger retail stores in AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, MS, NE, OH, SC, TN, VA and WV with sell by dates from August 29, 2019 and September 14, 2019. The product may be sold as raw yellowfin tuna steaks at the seafood counter or seasoned in store-prepped Styrofoam trays.

Purpose

The FDA is advising consumers to not eat yellowfin tuna steaks from the seafood counter or seasoned yellowfin tuna steaks in store-prepped Styrofoam trays from Kroger retail stores in AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, MS, NE, OH, SC, TN, VA and WV with sell by dates from August 29, 2019 and September 14, 2019 because they may cause scombroid poisoning. Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of scombroid poisoning should contact their healthcare provider. Consumers of these products who have recently experienced symptoms of scombroid poisoning should report their symptoms to their local Health Department.

Symptoms of Scombroid Poisoning

Scombroid poisoning is caused by eating fish that has not been properly refrigerated or preserved and therefore contains high levels of histamine. Scombroid poisoning is most commonly caused by fish that have naturally high levels of the amino acid histidine, which bacteria convert to histamine when the fish is not correctly stored.

Scombroid symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to an hour after eating contaminated fish. They usually resemble an allergic reaction, such as flushing of the face, headache, heart palpitations, itching, blurred vision, cramps, and diarrhea. Symptoms can be treated with antihistamines. Even without treatment, people usually get better within 12 hours.

If you suspect you have symptoms of scombroid poisoning, contact a health professional.

Summary of Problem and Scope

On September 4, 2019, the FDA became aware of multiple scombroid poisoning cases in individuals who consumed tuna steaks purchased from three separate Kroger retail locations in Ohio.  On September 5, 2019, Kroger agreed to remove all yellowfin tuna steaks from their stores in AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, MS, NE, OH, SC, TN, VA and WV as well as  begin notifying consumers who had purchased this product to dispose of or return the product to the store.

The FDA is also working with the distributor to remove any additional product from the market.

Recommendations for Consumers

Consumers who have symptoms of scombroid poisoning should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.

To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), you can

Visit www.fda.gov/fcic for additional consumer and industry assistance.

FDA Actions

The FDA will continue to work with Kroger, the distributor, and state and local partners to remove all contaminated product from the market.

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Posted in food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Histamine, scombroid poisoning, Uncategorized