June 30, 2009 - North Coast Seafood has voluntarily removed from sale Fresh Tuna Steaks that were sold at Shaw’s, Star Market and Big Y Stores in New England.

The recalled product was sold between June 20th thru June 24th to retail stores throughout New England and was removed from sale on June 24.   The product was recalled because of possible elevated levels of histamine that may result in symptoms that generally appear within minutes to an hour after eating the affected fish.  The following are the most common symptoms of scombroid poisoning: tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, rash on the face and upper body, hives and itching of skin, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Fishery products that have been linked to scombroid poisoning in the past include tuna, mahi mahi, bluefish, sardines, mackerel, amberjack, and abalone.   Scombroid poisoning remains one of the most common forms of fish poisoning in the United States.

North Coast Seafood is already aware of at least three scombroid illnesses.