Public Health Alert: Tuna Sold at Kroger Linked to Scombroid Poisoning

Reynoldsburg, Ohio (Sept. 6, 2019) – The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is issuing a public health alert for Yellowfin Tuna purchased from Kroger retail stores in Ohio. This alert is the result of an investigation by ODA and the Ohio Department of Health after four cases of scombroid poisoning were reported in Franklin and Montgomery counties. The product of concern was purchased from three different Kroger stores: 1365 Stoneridge Drive, Gahanna, 10101 Landing Way, Miamisburg, and 5400 Cornerstone N Boulevard, Centerville. It was sold fresh with a label of “Tuna Yellowfin Steak Fresh Wild Caught,” with sell by dates of 9-3-2019 and 9-5-2019. The product was both with and without sesame ginger seasoning. There may be additional customers who received the product who have not yet been identified.

Scombroid fish poisoning, or histamine fish poisoning, is a syndrome resembling an allergic reaction that occurs after eating fish contaminated with high levels of histamine.  Symptoms begin within two minutes to several hours after eating the fish.  The most common symptoms are tingling and burning sensations around the mouth, facial flushing, sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, palpitations, dizziness, and rash.  Most people have mild symptoms that resolve within a few hours.  In some cases, symptoms may last for several days.

ODA is encouraging anyone who is in possession of any items subject to this alert to discard them. Individuals exhibiting signs or symptoms of foodborne illness are encouraged to contact a physician immediately. Consumers with questions about food safety can contact ODA’s Division of Food Safety at 614-728-6250.