Important Food & Drug Administration Announcement

Whole Foods Market Voluntarily Recalls Frozen Whole Catch Yellow Fin Tuna Steaks Due to Possible Health Risks

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Food & Drug Administration issued the following recall notice:

Whole Foods Market announced the recall of its Whole Catch Yellow fin Tuna Steaks (frozen) with a best by date of Dec 5th, 2010 because of possible elevated levels of histamine that may result in symptoms that generally appear within minutes to an hour after eating the affected fish. No other Whole Foods Market, Whole Catch, 365 or 365 Organic products are affected.

The product, sold in twelve ounce bags with Best by Date: exp 05 DEC 2010 with Lot Code: 4853309157A and displays the following UPC code:

* 0-99482-42078-9 Whole Catch Yellow fin Tuna Steaks (Frozen) 12 oz.

High levels of histamine can produce an allergic reaction called scombroid poisoning when the fish is consumed. The following are the most common symptoms of scombroid poisoning: tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, facial swelling, rash, hives and itchy skin, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

There have been two reported incidents by consumers. Whole Foods Market feels that while these were isolated incidents, every precautionary measure should be taken when it comes to consumer health and safety. This recall does not impact any other fish or seafood sold by Whole Foods Market.

If consumers have this product with the indicated UPC code and Best By date, they may return it to the store for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company by calling 512-542-0656.

Whole Foods Market has removed the affected lot code from all store shelves. Product was distributed to 28 states plus the District of Columbia including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Connecticut, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Rhode Island, Maine and Washington, D.C.

---