Fish that tested positive for a viral liver disease has spurred a recall in three states — and officials say that five Bay Area restaurants might have already served the troubled tuna.
The Associated Press reported this weekend that back in May, the Hawaii-based Hilo Fish Company told the US Food and Drug Administration that it had recalled a batch of yellowfin tuna that had shown positive results for Hepatitis A.
According to the World Health Organization Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease "primarily spread when an uninfected (and unvaccinated) person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the feces of an infected person." Unlike B and C, A doesn't cause chronic liver disease, "but it can cause debilitating symptoms and fulminant hepatitis (acute liver failure), which is often fatal."
According to the AP, the tainted fish originated with two companies: Sustainable Seafood Company in Vietnam and Santa Cruz Seafood Inc. in the Philippines. With Hilo Fish Company as a middleman, it then made its way to retail locations and restaurants in California, Texas and Oklahoma.
Three of the restaurants in question are in San Francisco, ABC 7 reports.
- Blue Hawaii Acai Cafe, located at Two Embarcadero Center
- Bonito Poke, a food truck with multiple stops in SF (check their schedule here)
- 808 Poke Shack, also a food truck with stops announced via Instagram
The yellowfin was also delivered to Fenix in San Rafael and Noelani's Bar and Grill in San Carlos, ABC 7 reports.
According to the FDA, no illnesses have been reported as a result of the fish, which is described as "8-ounce steaks with label code 627152, and tuna cubes in 15-pound cases with label code 705342." Per the WHO's website, the incubation period for Hep-A is "usually 14-28 days," and symptoms "can include fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-colored urine and jaundice." If you suspect that you have been infected, officials recommend that you seek medical help immediately.