Press Releases
11/26/2019
DPH ALERTS RESIDENTS OF FDA RECALL ISSUED FOR FROZEN WILD-CAUGHT YELLOWFIN TUNA MEDALLIONS
Connecticut DPH Alerts Residents of FDA Recall Issued for Frozen Wild-Caught Yellowfin Tuna Medallions Imported from Vietnam, Distributed by Rhode Island Supplier
Frozen Tuna Linked to Multistate Scombroid Outbreak That has Sickened Two CT residents
Hartford – The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is informing consumers in Connecticut (CT) of a recent recall notice received from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) involving frozen, wild-caught yellowfin tuna medallions distributed by Northern Fisheries, LTD, in Little Compton, RI. The product originates from Vietnam and has tested positive for high levels of histamine associated with scombroid poisoning. Currently, DPH is aware of two CT cases resulting from consumption of this recalled product.
The product associated with the recall is a frozen item with a “Best Before” date of 6/13/2021. Because this product may still be in consumer’s freezers, DPH encourages consumers to check any frozen tuna medallions they may have to determine if the production date and UPC code provided below match their product. The production date and UPC code can be found on the back of the frozen tuna package.
Tuna King Brand, tuna medallions 2-3oz, 10 x 1 lb.
- ALL LOTS WITH PRODUCTION DATE: 06/13/2019
- Northern Lot #: 0058797
- UPC Code: 815838020638
Customers who still have the product should not consume it and should discard it immediately.
Scombroid poisoning can result in a tingling and burning sensation around the mouth, facial flushing and sweating, nausea and vomiting, headache, palpitations, dizziness, and rash. Symptoms can present within minutes to a few hours and last for a few hours, usually resolving spontaneously within 12 hours. Severe reactions (e.g. cardiac and respiratory complications) occur rarely, but people with pre-existing conditions may be susceptible.
Consumers are reminded that cooking of the product does not destroy or render the toxins harmless and that the product should be discarded immediately. If you have already consumed the recalled product and believe you may have developed symptoms of illness, you should contact your physician for follow-up.
The FDA recall notice can be found here.