FOOD ALERT: RECALL OF THOUSANDS OF CANS OF 2 KNOWN BRANDS OF TUNA DUE TO HISTAMINE

The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) has issued a new food alert in Spain. Two brands of tuna cans appeared in SCIRI. For this reason, the AESAN has taken the decision to withdraw thousands of units from points of sale, after receiving an alert.

This issue was reported by the health authorities of La Rioja, which detected a well-known chemical toxin found in a canned tuna product. It affects two Spanish brands (Montey and Didilo) and is of some concern due to the expiration date: February 8, 2027.

The products have been distributed in the Valencian Community, but there is no certainty that they have already appeared in other communities. No cases of intoxication have been reported to the competent agency.

Persons who had the products included in this alert in their homes should refrain from consuming them and ask the administrator of the point of purchase to return them. Histamine is a natural toxic substance commonly produced in fish when certain bacteria proliferate. The mere existence of such a substance indicates the possibility of bacterial contamination.

When the freshness of the fish is lost, which leads to low storage temperature or when there are hygiene and handling errors, it is possible for the fish to present high histamine levels. The most susceptible types of fish are blue fish, tuna, anchovies, anchovies and mackerel.

If the person ingests high levels of histamine, his or her body may experience symptoms very similar to those of an allergic reaction such as itching, swelling or headache. In the most severe cases, histamine intoxication could be dangerous when the excess is at baseline levels and is not uncommon. Only when intolerance exists can it have an impact on health.

To keep histamine intake at bay, be careful with alcoholic beverages, canned vegetables and fruits that are fermented. Some foods contain more yeast, so in a small increment you may need more histamine to account for the difference.

Sausages such as salami or fish such as mackerel overload the body with histamine. There are some consequences if it overloads and accumulates, so it is important to be careful. If you have any allergies, you should be aware. Sometimes histamine may be involved in allergic processes, which increases the imbalance between bacteria.