The US Department of Defence has issued a recall of canned tuna produced at the Chicken of the Sea Samoa Packing plant in American Samoa.
The recall was made June 1 and was issued after lab results revealed that a sample of Chicken of the Sea tuna contained an extremely high level of histamine.
The results exceeded the action level for histamine recommended by the Food and Drug Administration.
The Defence Department said that histamine levels greater than 20 parts per million indicate decomposition and possible poor product quality.
The advisory said that histamine may trigger severe allergic reactions when consumed in high doses.
High levels of histamine can produce an allergic reaction called scombroid poisoning when the fish is consumed.
Symptoms of scombroid include rash, facial swelling, itchy skin, vomiting and diarrhea. The quantity of canned tuna affected by the recall is not known at this time.
When contacted the General Manager of Samoa Packing Herman Gebauer said he was awaiting official notification about the recall and was unable to provide details.
