Salted fish found to contain histamine

A high level of histamine was found in a salted fish sample recently collected by the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) for tests.

The testing was a follow-up action taken by CFS in response to a related food complaint.

"Histamine was present in the salted fish sample, collected from a supermarket in Kwai Chung, at a level of 1,600ppm," a CFS spokesman said today (June 27).

The salted fish sample was packed in a glass bottle, with a brand name "Golden Dragon Thailand Salted Mackerel Fish in Soya Bean Oil".  The bottle carried on its lid a batch number: "U7ES001", manufacturing date: 16/3/2007 as well as best before date: 16/3/2009 .

"The supermarket concerned, the supplier and some other retail outlets have been asked to stop selling the same batch of product. People who have purchased the same batch are also advised not to consume it," the spokesman said.

"Histamine is commonly found in fish of the Scombridae family, such as tuna and mackerel, as a result of bacterial spoilage. Formation of histamine in fish is usually related to improper control of temperature during storage. Histamine may cause burning sensation around the mouth, facial flushing, sweating, nausea and headache.  But these symptoms will normally disappear in 12 hours.

"The CFS has contacted the Thai authorities and is closely monitoring the situation."

Ends/Wednesday, June 27, 2007