Yellowfin Tuna Steaks Recalled After Food Poisoning Outbreak

Kroger is recalling yellowfin tuna steaks and seasoned yellowfin tuna steaks after at least 16 people have suffered food poisoning linked to these products. According to an ABC news report, these steaks may cause scombroid poisoning. The improperly stored tuna was sold in Kroger stores in 16 states. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking 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.

Those who have consumed these products and are experiencing symptoms of scombroid poisoning are asked to contact their healthcare providers and report their symptoms to the local health department. The FDA first became aware of this issue on Sept. 4 and alerted Kroger, which agreed to recall its products the very next day. The company also began to notify customers who bought the steaks to dispose of them or return them to a store. The FDA is working with Kroger, the distributor and state and local partners to remove all of the contaminated products from the market.

What is Scombroid Poisoning?

Scombroid poisoning is a disease due to the ingestion of contaminated food, mainly fish. In scromboid poisoning, the bacteria grow when food is improperly stored. The bacteria then produce the scombroid toxin, which is a combination of histamine and histamine-like chemicals. The toxin or poison does not affect everyone who ingests it. While cooking kills the bacteria, the toxins remain in the tissues and can be absorbed even after the food is ingested.

Susceptible foods include albacore, amberjack, anchovy, sardine, herring, mackerel, mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna. Affected fish may have a metallic or peppery taste. Symptoms of scombroid poisoning generally begin quickly, about 30 minutes to one hour after ingestion of the poison, and include nausea, vomiting, flushing, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and headache.

Other symptoms may include itching, hives, a burning sensation in the mouth, fever, low blood pressure and wheezing. Scombroid poisoning may be treated with oral charcoal. Some doctors recommend stomach pumping to remove the foods before charcoal is administered. Moreover, patients are often given IV fluids as they may become dehydrated from vomiting.

If You Have Been Sickened

If you or a loved one has become sickened as a result of consuming tainted food, you may be able to seek compensation for the injuries, damages and losses sustained. Please get medical attention right away and contact an experienced food poisoning lawyer who can help you secure maximum compensation for your losses.

Source: https://www.abccolumbia.com/2019/09/10/fda-several-brands-of-salmon-recalled/