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Whole Foods Removes Yellow Fin Tuna

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

Whole Foods Markets is recalling its frozen Whole Catch Yellow fin Tuna Steaks with best by dates of Dec. 5, 2010.

The yellow fin tuna was recalled because of possible elevated levels of histamine that may cause symptoms that generally appear within minutes to an hour after eating the affected fish.

The product was sold in twelve ounce bags with Best by Date: exp 05 DEC 2010 with Lot Code: 4853309157A and displays the following UPC code:  0-99482-42078-9 Whole Catch Yellow fin Tuna Steaks (Frozen) 12 oz.

High levels of histamine can produce an allergic reaction called scombroid poisoning when the fish is consumed.

The most common symptoms of scombroid poisoning are: tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, facial swelling, rash, hives and itchy skin, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

Two Whole Foods customers reportedly suffered from these symptoms.  Whole Foods called their reactions "isolated incidents."

If consumers have this product with the indicated UPC code and Best By date, they may return it to the store for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company by calling 512-542-0656.

Whole Foods Market has removed the bad tuna from all store shelves.

It was distributed to 28 states plus the District of Columbia including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Connecticut, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Rhode Island, Maine and Washington, D.C.

Full post as published by Food Safety News on April 07, 2010 (boomark / email).