(NationalUSNews.com) — On Wednesday, June 12, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a recall of yellowfin tuna, a product of the California company Fresh Catch Inc.The tuna is being voluntarily recalled due to high levels of histamine, which can cause scombroid food poisoning. This is being considered a Class II recall by the FDA, which indicates that use of the product could cause adverse but temporary or treatable health consequences. The recall is still actively ongoing, although the tuna is already past its best-by date.
Scombroid poisoning refers to a type of foodborne illness caused by eating fish that hasn’t been properly refrigerated after being caught. The Fresh Catch Inc. product in question is sold as single loins in cardboard packaging labeled “keep refrigerated”. People who bought it are instructed not to eat it. They can throw it away in a secure trash can with a tight-fitting lid after first double bagging it or they can return it to where they purchased it for a full refund. The product was only distributed in California. The affected products have PO numbers of 461079 with expiration date 04/05/24 or 111097 with expiration date 04/05/24.
Scombroid has a faster onset than other forms of food poisoning, such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli. Symptoms typically start within 10 to 60 minutes after eating the tainted fish. The California Department of Public Health notes that histamine contaminated fish may have a foul odor, a “metallic, sharp, or peppery” taste to it, or have a “honey-combed” appearance. However, they also point out that sometimes none of those indicators may be present, and the fish may appear, smell or even taste normal. The most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, rashes, headaches, or flushing of the face and arms. Sometimes difficulty swallowing, heart palpitations, or a burning sensation in the mouth may be experienced.
The FDA is dedicated to ensuring food, drugs, and certain other products and processes are safe for consumers in the U.S. They use three levels of classification for their product recalls, indicating the level of health threats that may be posed to the public. The Fresh Catch Inc. tuna is, of course, a somewhat dangerous Class II.
They also have the Class III designation for products unlikely to cause adverse health effects, and Class I in cases where serious medical issues or death are a reasonable possibility. Recalls are often broadly reported on, but consumers are still encouraged to stay informed about food safety and ongoing recalls for their own safety.
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