Tuna Loin Recall Lawsuit | Get the Right Lawyer

Update: Northern Fisheries Expands Recall for Yellowfin Tuna

Nov. 25, 2019 - Little Compton, Rhode Island-based Northern Fisheries LTD has expanded their recall of frozen, wild-caught yellowfin tuna medallions to include products sold directly to consumers, according to an FDA recall notice[1] issued Monday. Affected products were sold to customers in Connecticut, Missouri,Minnesota, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, FDA said. This recall was issued over concerns of potentially elevated levels of histamine.

Related: Food Poisoning Lawsuits

What is Histamine?

Decomposition in fish is indicated by elevated histamine levels in the muscle tissue, which forms postmortem by the bacterial action of amino acids. The presence of 50 ppm (5 mg/100g) or more histamine is indicative of decomposition. Histamine is heat-stable and can survive thermal processing - this makes it a useful indicator of decomposition in fish because odors that normally signal decomposition may be modified, reduced, or eliminated by thermal processing.

Histamine Symptoms

• itchy skin
• tingling or burning sensation in the mouth
• facial swelling
• rash
• hives
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea

(source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration)

Related: Symptoms of Food Poisoning

What is Scombroid Poisoning?

In addition to being an indicator of decomposition, elevated histamine levels can cause scombroid poisoning, which has been repeatedly traced to the consumption of tuna and mahi-mahi. Tuna and mackerel are most frequently involved in instances of histamine poisoning, but this may be in part because they are consumed more than nearly any other fish worldwide.

Scombroid Poisoning Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of scombroid poisoning may include:

• breathing problems (in severe cases)
• extremely red skin on face and body
• flushing
• hives and itching
• nausea
• vomiting

Fish Linked to High Histamine Levels

• tuna
• mahi-mahi
• mackerel
• pink salmon
• redfish
• yellowtail
• marlin
• amberjack
• pilchards
• herring
• anchovies
• bluefish
• sardines
• black marlin

Related: Fish Poisoning Lawsuit

What’s the Problem?

October 20, 2017 - A California-based company is recalling Frozen Newport Brand Tuna Loins over potential contamination with salmonella, a bacterium that causes severe foodborne illness. The recall was the result of routine testing by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which revealed the presence of salmonella bacteria [3], which can cause severe and potentially deadly infections in humans.

Affected products were distributed in Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Nevada, Idaho, and Arizona from August 15, 2017 and September 25, 2017, through food service operations, retail stores, and restaurants.

The tuna loins were sold in 5-8 pound vacuum-sealed baggies packed in 30 pound Newport brand master cases. Master cases are labeled with the production lot codes of MTNT 0947C, MTNT 0957B, MTNT 0967A, and MTNT 0977D.

Establishments that sold recalled tuna loins include:

• Basha's
• Randall's Fine Meats
• Yokes Fresh Market
• CalMart
• Raley's
• Concord Produce Market
• Bel Air Market
• Speedy Market
• Nob Hill

See the FDA recall notice for a complete list of retail locations affected products may have been sold in an unbranded form.

Salmonella Bacteria

Each year in the U.S., about 1 million people develop salmonella infections, or salmonellosis [4], according to the CDC. Of these, about 19,000 patients will have symptoms so severe they require hospitalization, and nearly 400 people will die as a direct result of their illness. Most infected persons develop symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.

Salmonella Symptoms

The incubation period for salmonella bacteria ranges anywhere from 2 hours to several days. Most salmonella infections can be classified as stomach flu (gastroenteritis).

Signs and symptoms of salmonellosis include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Blood in the stool

In most otherwise healthy adults, these symptoms tend to taper off within a week without medical intervention. Those at an increased risk for severe infections include babies, old folks, and people who have impaired immune systems.

Mical Seafood Recalls Tuna Loin for Scombroid Poisoning

October 4, 2019 - Cooper City, Florida-based Mical Seafood Inc., on Tuesday initiated a nationwide recall[5] for frozen, wild-caught yellowfin tuna loins, tuna poke cubes, tuna ground meat, and 6oz tuna steaks over potentially elevated levels of histamine. The recalled tuna was sold to customers in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, California Michigan, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten and Grand Cayman. Affected products have production date codes between 04/02/2019 and 05/14/2019, according to the FDA.

Tuna Recalled in Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak

April 16, 2019 - At least 13 people in 7 states have been diagnosed with a salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, linked to frozen raw ground tuna produced by Jensen Tuna Inc., the CDC [6] warned on Tuesday.
The recall affects 3 lots of individually packaged 1-pound bags and 20-pound boxes of Jensen Tuna Inc.'s frozen raw ground tuna, CDC said. Lot numbers of the recalled products are z266, z271, and z272.

The recalled tuna should not be sold or served by stores or restaurants, CDC warned.

"Consumers who order sushi made with raw tuna, including 'spicy tuna,' should ask the restaurant or grocery store if the tuna is supplied by Jensen Tuna,” the agency said. “If you are not sure if the tuna has been recalled, do not eat it."

Tuna from Vietnam Recalled for Potential Salmonella Contamination

May 10, 2019 - U.S. health officials from the CDC and FDA have “red-listed” some tuna imported from a Vietnamese firm due to concerns related to an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella Newport.

A notice[7] posted Thursday by the FDA warned restaurants and other food service operations to check their stocks for any tuna sourced from JK Fish of Vietnam, due to potential contamination with salmonella, a bacterium that causes severe foodborne illness.

As of April 16, at least 13 patients across 7 U.S. states had been confirmed with salmonella infections, according to the CDC. The agency says the most recent patient got sick on March 20. At least 2 patients have been hospitalized for complications related to their illness, and no deaths have been reported.

Frozen tuna from JK Fish affected by the recall includes “Albacore, Yellowfin, Bluefin, Skipjack, etc.” FDA said.

Affected products were shipped to companies in Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, New York and Washington state. However, “… product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states,” FDA said.

FDA says it is unlikely that the recalled tuna was sold directly to consumers in grocery stores or other retail establishments, and more likely used in food dishes sold by restaurants or retailers.

“Consumers with concerns should ask their restaurants and retailers whether the tuna dish they are purchasing contains the recalled ground tuna,” the agency said.

Related Articles:

• Tomi Foods Botulism Recall Litigation
• Shrimp Poke Recall Tort

Moon Fishery Tuna Strips Recall

May 10, 2012 - The manufacturer of the recently-recalled Yellow Fin Tuna Nakaochi Scrape is now recalling its Tuna Strips because they may be contaminated with salmonella, a potentially deadly foodborne pathogen. The Tuna Strips in question were distributed to wholesalers in Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.

FDA issued a press release today informing the public that Moon Fishery (India) Pvt. Ltd. is currently recalling 22 pound cases of ‘Tuna Strips’ Product of India AA or AAA GRADE because they have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.

Moon Fishery was notified of the potential contamination after the FDA sampled Tuna Strip products not yet in distribution. As a precautionary measure, the company decided to recall all products that had already been distributed. The Tuna Strips affected by this recall were distributed to wholesalers in Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.

It is not known whether these wholesalers broke their shipments down into smaller lots for further distribution. When shipped from Moon Fishery, the Tuna Strips were packaged in white boxes with black writing identifying the importer as Moon Marine USA Corporation, listing the contents as Tuna Strips AA or AAA, Product of India. The boxes contain a number of vacuum-wrapped packages with no additional labeling.

Moon Fishery has suspended distribution of its Tuna Strips while the FDA works to determine the source of the contamination. Due to the fact that the end product may not be accompanied by lot numbers or labeling information, product sellers should contact their suppliers to determine whether their Tuna Strips originated from Moon Fishery.

Moon Marine 'Nakaochi Scrape' Yellowfin Tuna Recall

April 13, 2012 - A Cupertino, Calif., establishment is now recalling nearly 60,000 pounds of frozen raw yellowfin tuna labeled as ‘Nakaochi Scrape’ AA or AAA because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella Bareilly, a rare but potentially-deadly foodborne pathogen. The product in question has been linked to a widespread salmonella outbreak that has caused at least 116 illnesses in 20 states and the District of Columbia.

FDA issued a press release today announcing that Moon Marine USA Corporation is currently in the process of recalling 58,828 pounds of a yellowfin tuna product known as Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA because it may be tainted with salmonella bacteria.

Nakaochi Scrape is tuna backmeat which is scraped off the bones of the fish and looks like a ground product. The Nakaochi Scrape included in this recall is not available to individual consumers, but it may have been used to make sushi, sashimi, ceviche and other similar dishes available in restaurants and grocery stores.

The words ‘Moon Marine USA’ and “Nakaochi Scrape’ AA or AAA were printed on boxes of the product when it was originally distributed. However, it is likely that many of the boxes were broken down into smaller lots for further sale and may not be available to the end retailer or consumer. Therefore, identifying affected lots may be extremely difficult.

The products included in this recall were distributed to restaurants and grocery stores that make sushi, and have been linked to a Salmonella Bareilly epidemic which has caused at least 116 illnesses in the following states: Alabama (2), Arkansas (1), Connecticut (5), District of Columbia (2), Florida (1), Georgia (5), Illinois (10), Louisiana (2), Maryland (11), Massachusetts (8), Mississippi (1), Missouri (2), New Jersey (7), New York (24), North Carolina (2), Pennsylvania (5), Rhode Island (5), South Carolina (3), Texas (3), Virginia (5), and Wisconsin (12).

Of the reported illnesses, at least a dozen cases were serious enough to require emergency hospitalization. The vast majority of the people who became ill reported eating raw tuna in sushi as ‘spicy tuna.’

If you purchase seafood dishes that may contain Nakaochi Scrape from a restaurant or grocery store, be sure to check with the establishment to make sure its products did not come from Moon Marine Corporation (MMI). When in doubt, don’t eat it. Individuals concerned about a salmonella food poisoning illness should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Walgreens Delish Egg Salad & Tuna Salad Sandwich

February 3, 2012 - A Sacramento, CA, establishment is now recalling egg salad and tuna salad sandwiches sold in Walgreens retail stores because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially deadly foodborne pathogen. The sandwiches in question contain eggs distributed by Michael Foods, Inc., which initiated a recall for its own eggs on February 1.

FDA announced today that GH Foods, LLC is now recalling the following products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes:

• DeLish brand Egg Salad on HoneyWheat Sandwich 8.5 oz.; UPC Code 0.49022-51925; Enjoy by Date 1 1/17/12 through 2/5/12
• DeLish brand Tuna Salad on Multigrain Bread Sandwich 8.5 oz; UPC Code 0.49022-51928.2; Enjoy by Date 1/22/12 through 2/5/12

These sandwiches were sold at Walgreens stores in California and are packaged in cellophane wrappers. Codes and Enjoy by Dates are listed on the Principal Display Panel.

The problem was discovered when GH Foods was notified by its supplier Michael Foods, Inc. that it had recalled hard-cooked eggs due to potential contamination by Listeria monocytogenes. The Delish brand sandwiches sold at Walgreens may contain eggs included in that recall. To date, there have been no illnesses reported in connection with this recall.

Listeria Food Poisoning (Listeriosis)

Listeria food poisoning (listeriosis) is caused by ingesting food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Infections typically affect pregnant women, newborn babies, the elderly, and individuals with suppressed immune systems. Signs and symptoms of listeriosis may include:

• fever
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• lethargy
• difficulty breathing
• poor feeding in newborns

The earlier listeria food poisoning is detected the better, so it is important to report any symptoms to your doctor immediately after experiencing them.

Osamu Frozen Ground Tuna Recall

October 12, 2011 - A Gardena, CA establishment is currently recalling 1,800 cases of frozen ground tuna that have the potential to be contaminated with decomposition and elevated histamine levels. Histamine contained in food products can cause violent and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. To date, at least three illnesses due to elevated histamine levels have been reported, all involving sushi purchased at a single location.

FDA issued a press release today informing the public that Osamu Corporation of Gardena, CA is now recalling up to 1,800 cases of lot # 7013 frozen ground tuna because of decomposition and elevated histamine levels. Decomposed food products promote the formation of histamine, which if consumed can cause the following side effects:

FDA is advising any consumers experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention. The product in question was shipped to the following distributors between 8/18/11 and 9/8/11:

• AFC Corporation - has sushi franchises at counters in grocery stores nationwide.
• Red Shell Foods - has sushi franchises in grocery markets in the state of California in the following cities: Calabasas, Century City, Dana Point, Encino, Hollywood, Irvine, Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, North Hollywood, Northridge, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Barbara, Sherman Oaks, Silverlake, Tarzana, West Hollywood, and Westlake Village.
• Pacific Fresh Fish Company - Los Angeles cash-and-carry establishment.

Do I Have a Tuna Loin Recall Lawsuit?

The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in tuna recall lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new salmonella infection cases in all 50 states.

Again, if you got salmonella poisoning from Relish Foods Tuna Loins, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.