Relish Foods, Inc. Recalls Frozen Tuna Loins Because of Possible Health Risk

On October 13, 2017, Relish Foods, Inc. of Culver City, Calif., voluntarily initiated the recall of frozen Newport brand 5 to 8 lb. tuna loins. The recall has since expanded to include: 3 to 5 lb. tuna loins, 6 oz. tuna steaks, and 4 oz. tuna steaks. The recall is the result of sampling by the FDA which revealed that the product has potential to contain the bacteria Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. Relish Foods, Inc. is continuing the investigation with the FDA as to what caused the problem.

Product was distributed in Washington, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, and Texas between 6/17/2017 and 10/13/17 through food service operations, retail stores, and restaurants. Product was distributed as 3 to 5 lb. vacuum-packed, frozen, whole tuna loins packed in 30 lb. Newport brand master cases; 5 to 8 lb. vacuum-packed, frozen, whole tuna loins packed in 30 lb. Newport brand master cases; 6 oz. vacuum-packed tuna steaks in 10 lb. Newport brand master cases; and 4 oz. vacuum-packed tuna steaks in 10 lb. Newport brand master cases. Master cases are labeled with the production lot codes of MTNT 0947C, MTNT 0957B, MTNT 0967A, MTNT 0977D, MTNT 0917B, MTNT 0937D, GND 0737D, GND 0747E, GND 0757A, GND 0767C, GND 0777B, GND 0697B, GND 0707C and GND 0727A.

On the retail side this product would have been distributed to retailers:

Alaskan Pride Seafoods, Basha’s, Dickman’s Meat & Deli, Randall’s Fine Meats, Bel Air Market, Brown Valley Meats, Bruno’s Market & Deli, Cal Mart, Concord Produce Market, Eureka Natural Foods, Gerrard’s Heritage Market, JR Meat Company, Nob Hill, Raley’s, Speedy Market, Wholesome Choice Market, Albertsons, Fisherman’s Market & Grill, Flying Fish, Miller’s Harvest Foods, Nel’s Bi-Lo Food Center, Rosauer’s, Yokes Fresh Market, Rod’s Harvest Food, Stein’s Market, Super 1 Foods, Shucks Tavern, Dick Howard’s Meats, Fitts Seafood, Food 4 Less, International C-Food Market, Manzanita Grocery & Deli, Market of Choice, Nickabobs Meat Market, Pacific Fish & Oyster, Pacific Oyster, Roth’s, Sherm’s, Shop N Kart, Zupan’s Markets, Winco Foods, Anderson’s Grocery, Dissmore’s IGA, IGA Food Cache, Leprekon Mart, Market Place (Friday Harbor, WA), West Seattle Thriftway, and Rocky Mountain Seafood.

Product was distributed to the following retail locations and may have been sold in an unbranded form:

Product from the recalled lots was displayed at their seafood departments where the product was likely sold as steak loins, or pieces of loins, on a tray with clear plastic wrap cover. It may also have been sold out of the fresh case and wrapped in butcher paper to the customer’s order.

Consumers concerned about whether the tuna they purchased may contain the recalled tuna loin or steak product should check with the store where they purchased the tuna. That store will be able to determine if it used the recalled product to prepare the tuna. At this time Relish Foods does not believe that the recalled product made with the recalled product is available for purchase by consumers.

Customers who purchased the frozen tuna loin (from Yellow Fin tuna) or tuna steak are urged to return it to the retailer for a full refund.

Firms that may have further repackaged, rebranded, or processed these products may be required to further recall product. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-888-730-3875, Mondays through Fridays, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. (PDT).

Link to the Original Recall.

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