The CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Newport linked to frozen, raw ground tuna supplied by Jensen Tuna of Louisiana and imported from J K Fish Co. Ltd. of Vietnam.
Thirteen outbreak cases have been reported from seven states, including: Connecticut (1), Iowa (1), Illinois (1), Minnesota (1), New York (1), North Dakota (4), and Washington (4).
Two people have been hospitalized.
The outbreak began in January 2019, with the most recent case having been reported on March 20th.
Nine (75%) of 12 outbreak victims that were interviewed reported eating sushi from a restaurant or grocery store, according to CDC.
On April 16th, Jensen Tuna recalled frozen ground raw tuna that was imported from J K Fish Co. Ltd. of Vietnam. The recalled tuna was individually packaged in clear plastic one-pound bags, and sold in white wax 20 lb. boxes. The product is only sold as a wholesale case with twenty bags in each case. The lot numbers are z266, z271 and z272.
The recalled product was supplied to wholesale distributors in Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, and Washington for further distribution to restaurants and retail locations.
CDC recommends that consumers who order sushi made with raw tuna, including “spicy tuna,” should ask the restaurant or grocery store if the tuna is from Jensen Tuna, and should avoid eating this tuna.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection may include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria, and typically last from 4 to 7 days. Individuals who consumed raw tuna and develop these symptoms should consult a health care provider.
In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body.
Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe symptoms.
Restaurants and retailers should check with their suppliers and not sell or serve the recalled ground tuna from Jensen Tuna. They should also be sure to wash and sanitize locations where the recalled ground tuna was stored or prepared.
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