Frozen ground tuna recalled by Osamu Corporation

Osamu Corporation of Gardena, CA is recalling up to 1,800 cases, lot# 7013, of frozen ground tuna because the FDA found decomposition in several samples of the product and also found elevated histamine levels in samples taken from one retail location. Osamu Corporation is recalling the product in an abundance of caution since decomposed product may promote formation of histamine. Histamine consumed in food can cause reactions that exhibit symptoms of tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, facial swelling, rash, hives and itchy skin, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. However, individuals may experience symptoms differently. Persons developing these symptoms should seek medical attention.

The frozen ground tuna was shipped to three distributors from 08/18/11 to 09/08/11. The distributors have removed the product from the marketplace and are destroying any remaining product.

The three distributors are AFC Corporation, Red Shell Foods and Pacific Fresh Fish Company. Two of these distributors have sushi franchises located in grocery stores. Stores and locations to which this product was shipped are listed at the bottom of this announcement.  One, Pacific Fresh Fish Company of Los Angeles is a cash and carry establishment.

Consumers concerned about whether the sushi they purchased may contain the ground tuna should check with the store where they purchased the sushi. That store will be able to determine if it used the recalled product to prepare the sushi. At this time Osamu does not believe that the recalled product or sushi made with the recalled product is available for purchase by consumers.

Three illnesses due to elevated histamine levels have been reported to date, all involving sushi purchased at a single location.  The cause of the elevated histamine levels found in the ground tuna at that location is presently unknown.

Customers who have purchased the frozen ground tuna from one of the distributors are urged to return it to the distributor for a full refund.  Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-310-327-6376, Mondays through Fridays, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. (PST).

Red Shell Foods has sushi franchises in grocery markets in the state of California in the following cities: Calabasas, Century City, Dana Point, Encino, Hollywood, Irvine, Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, North Hollywood, Northridge, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Barbara, Sherman Oaks, Silverlake, Tarzana, West Hollywood, and Westlake Village.

AFC has sushi franchises at counters in grocery stores in nearly every state.