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Nearly 333 pounds of tuna distributed across five states are being recalled after testing found elevated levels of a toxin that can cause a form of food poisoning, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA said the recall covers 332.9 pounds of Buckhead tuna distributed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
The advisory was designated a Class II recall, meaning use of or exposure to the product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” according to the FDA.
The recall involves Buckhead tuna sold in refrigerated Styrofoam containers in 10-pound, 12-pound, 15-pound and 3-to-5-pound cases. The product number is 0004255.
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The recall was initiated after the company was notified by the New Jersey Department of Health that two tuna samples had tested positive for elevated levels of scombrotoxin.
The company initiated the recall on July 24, while the FDA classified it as Class II on Sept. 16. The recall remains listed as ongoing.
According to the FDA, scombroid poisoning is “a unique form of food poisoning caused by consumption of certain marine fish species that have experienced partial bacterial spoilage.”
Scombroid poisoning most commonly occurs when certain types of fish, including tuna and mackerel, begin to spoil as bacteria grows, potentially creating elevated levels of histamine.
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The toxins are not destroyed by freezing, cooking, smoking, curing or canning, according to the FDA.
People exposed to scombrotoxin typically do not experience severe or long-term illness, the agency said.
Symptoms can resemble an allergic reaction and may include facial rash, hives, swelling, short-term diarrhea and abdominal cramps, according to the FDA.
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The FDA recommends that fish such as tuna be properly handled and refrigerated or immediately frozen to help prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.
