NEW JERSEY — More than 330 pounds of tuna distributed in New Jersey and four other states are being recalled after samples were found to contain elevated levels of scombrotoxin, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Buckhead Meat Company, doing business as Trinity Seafood in Lakewood, voluntarily initiated the recall July 24 after the company was notified by the New Jersey Department of Health that two samples collected from the tuna had reported high levels of scombrotoxin.
The recall involves 332.9 pounds of Buckhead tuna packaged in refrigerated Styrofoam containers. The product was sold in 3- to 5-pound, 10-pound, 12-pound and 15-pound cases.
The recalled tuna was distributed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York and Connecticut.
The FDA classified the recall as Class II on Sept. 16, meaning exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. Scombroid poisoning can occur suddenly after eating fish that is only partially spoiled.
According to the FDA, symptoms can develop within minutes to a few hours after eating affected fish and may include tingling or burning in or around the mouth or throat, rash or hives, headache, dizziness, itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heart palpitations and respiratory distress.
The affected product is identified as product code 0004255. The FDA listed vat numbers 59-01915, 58-11212, 59-01914, 58-11210, 58-11213, 59-01930 and 59-01570 among the code information associated with the recall.
The recall remains ongoing.
