In what was most likely the largest confirmed Salmonella food poisoning outbreak in 2012, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 425 individuals were sickened after eating Salmonella contaminated frozen yellow fin tuna. The frozen raw yellow fin tuna, known as Nakaochi Scrape, was a product of Moon Marine USA Corp.
Tuna Recall Information
According to the FDA, on April 13, 2012, Moon Marine recalled 58,828 lbs of a frozen raw yellow fin tuna product, labeled as Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA. On May 10, 2012, Moon Marine expanded the recall to include 22-pound boxes of “Tuna Strips.” See FDA Tuna Recall and FDA Tuna Strip Recall for additional recall information.
Salmonella Contaminated Tuna Product Linked to the Outbreak
This multi-state outbreak was caused by two different strains of Salmonella. Of the 425 outbreak cases, 410 persons were infected with Salmonella Bareilly and 15 persons were infected with Salmonella Nchanga. Reported illness onset dates ranged from January 1 to July 7, 2012.
During the outbreak investigation, public health officials isolated the outbreak strains of Salmonella Bareilly and Salmonella Nchanga from unopened packages of the recalled tuna product. Numerous seafood processing deficiencies, including sanitation concerns, were noted by the FDA following its inspection of the Moon Fishery Pvt Ltd. Processing facility in India.
Salmonella Symptoms
Symptoms of Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) may include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and joint pain. Symptoms usually appear within 12-72 hours after the ingestion of contaminated food.
In more severe cases, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream and other body sites. This can result in death, unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to suffer severe illness.
A Stool Culture May Confirm Salmonella Food Poisoning
If you suspect that you have contracted Salmonella or are experiencing food poisoning symptoms, contact your healthcare professional. He or she can order a stool culture to confirm Salmonella infection. A stool culture can also help link your illness to a specific outbreak and support a food poisoning lawsuit should you wish to seek compensation for your injuries.
Contact the Law Firm of Eric Weinberg for a Free Salmonella Lawsuit Evaluation
Attorney Eric Weinberg has helped victims of food poisoning outbreaks nationwide. We are ready to help you. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with salmonellosis, are awaiting medical confirmation of infection, or have a question regarding your legal rights you can request a free food poisoning lawsuit evaluation by calling our law firm toll free at 1-877-934-6274. Our phones are answered 24/7.
