Alfa International Inc. of Medley, Florida, is recalling refrigerated, wild-caught yellowfin tuna loins because of potentially elevated levels of histamine. This amino acid can produce an allergic reaction called scombroid fish poisoning. Five people have been sickened.
The company thinks these illnesses were “isolated incidents,” but has issued the recall as a precaution. The tuna loins were sold at Baker’s, Dillon’s, Gerbes, JayC Food, Kroger, and Payless stores in these states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The recalled tuna loins were labeled as either Yellowfin Tuna Steaks or Seasoned Yellowfin Tuna Steaks. They were sold from either the service counter or tray-packaged in a display case. The tuna was sold from August 20, 2019 through September 7, 2019; and is marked with sell-by dates between August 29, 2019 and September 14, 2019.
The FDA issued a consumer advisory about this issue on September 7, 2019, but said at that time that the tuna was only sold in Kroger stores. They also did not identify the company in that notice.
The symptoms of histamine or scombroid fish poisoning can appear within a few minutes to a few hours of eating the product. Symptoms include tingling and burning sensations in the mouth, facial swelling, rash, hives, itchy skin, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Most people recover within a few hours without medical care. But the reaction can vary. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. If you had a reaction after eating these products, you can report it to the FDA through their MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form.
If you purchased these products in those stores located in those specific states during the stated time frame, do not eat the tuna. Throw it away after sealing it in another container, or take it back to the store where you bought it for a full refund.
