Environmental Health issue warning on fresh tuna from Tescos Extra Store, Inverness

NHS Highland and Highland Council’s Environmental Health team have been investigating 3 suspect cases of scombrotoxin food poisoning in the Inverness area. The cases were diagnosed on Wednesday night. The illness is caused by toxins produced in fresh fish like tuna and mackerel that have not been stored at correct temperatures. The symptoms include flushing, sweating, headache, rash, diarrhoea and nausea. Symptoms can appear within a few minutes and can last up to 12 hours. There are no long term consequences.

Officers from Environmental Health investigating the cases established a link to fresh Tuna steaks purchased from the Tescos Extra Store at the Inverness Retail Park on Wednesday. Tesco stores are fully co-operating with the investigation and the product has been withdrawn from the store. No other Tesco stores or other products have been implicated.

Anyone who has purchased fresh tuna from this store on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of this week is asked to dispose of the product or return it to the store. If anyone has suffered symptoms they are advised to contact their GP.

Alan Yates, Principal Food Safety Officer, The Highland Council, said: “Although scombrotoxin food poisoning is normally short lived it can be very unpleasant. Industry and retailers like Tescos are very aware of the issue and have systems in place to ensure fish like tuna is kept refrigerated throughout distribution. Fortunately only a few fresh tuna steaks were sold on Wednesday from the store but we would advise anyone who bought the product from this store to dispose off it.”