May 3, 2017 — Health officials in Hawaii are warning that imported frozen raw ahi tuna that is meant to be eaten uncooked in poke sushi has tested positive for the Hepatitis A virus.
The ahi tuna was imported from Indonesia by Tropic Fish Hawaii, LLC, and sold at restaurants in Hawaii between April 27 and May 1, 2017, according to a notice (PDF) from the Hawaii State Department of Health.
The fish was used to prepare ahi poke that was sold at Times Supermarket and Shima’s locations in Aiea, Kailua, Kanaeohe, Kunia, Liliha, Mililani, Waipahu, and Waimanalo.
The fish was also used to prepare food served or sold by the following companies:
- GP Hawaiian Food Catering
- The Crab Shack Kapolei (also known as Maile Sunset Bar & Grill)
- ABC store at 205 Lewers Street, Honolulu
Tropic Fish and Times Supermarket immediately notified health officials of the positive test result, according to Peter Oshiro, chief of the DOH Food Safety Program:
“All of the product is being traced, collected and held by the distributor. Fortunately, in this case, Tropic Fish Hawaii kept excellent records and has been contacting all retailers and pulling the product quickly.”
Anyone who is not vaccinated against Hepatitis A and ate poke from these establishments after April 27 should contact their doctor. A vaccine or a shot of Immune Globulin (IG) can sometimes prevent infection with Hepatitis A if administered within 2 weeks of exposure.
It generally takes two to six weeks for people who are infected to develop symptoms of Hepatitis A. The symptoms may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, diarrhea, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
Do I have an Ahi Tuna Hepatitis Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting ahi tuna induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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