Several brands of canned tuna are being recalled for possible botulism contamination. The brands affected are Chicken of the Sea, Bumble Bee, and Fisherman’s Wharf. The recall is for cans with specific production dates and codes.
Botulism can be defined as a serious foodborne illness that can cause paralysis and even death. Symptoms include muscle weakness, blurred vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, and respiratory failure. If you experience any symptoms after eating canned Tuna, seek medical attention immediately.
The affected products were sold nationwide in the United States. If you have these said products at home, do not eat them. Throw them away or immediately return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
What Is Tuna?
Tuna is popular seafood that is high in protein and low in fat. It is a member of the mackerel family and can be found in both fresh and canned forms.
Why Is Canned Tuna So Popular?
Canned Tuna is popular because it is an affordable source of protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is known to provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
The Various Benefits Of Tuna
The various benefits of Tuna include –
1) Good source of protein
Tuna is known to provide protein. A 100g of tuna can provide around 25g of protein. This makes it a preferable choice to consume if you are looking to increase your intake of this essential nutrient.
2) Low in calories
A single can of Tuna also contains just around 200 calories, making it a great option for those watching their weight.
3) Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Tuna provides omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to a host of health benefits, including improved heart health and cognitive function.
4) It may help reduce inflammation
The omega-3 fatty acids that Tuna provides may also help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
5) It may improve brain health
The omega-3 fatty acids that Tuna provides may also help to improve brain health, possibly by reducing inflammation and improving cognitive function.
6) It may boost heart health
The omega-3 fatty acids that Tuna provides may also help to boost heart health by reducing inflammation and improving blood lipid profiles.
7) It reduces the risk of cancer
Some studies have suggested that the omega-3 fatty acids present in Tuna may help to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
8) Easy to find and prepare
Tuna is widely available and easy to prepare, making it a convenient and healthy option for busy individuals.
9) May promote weight loss
Due to its low calorie and high protein content, eating tuna may help promote weight loss.
10) Affordable
Tuna is generally a very affordable option, especially when compared to other sources of protein such as chicken or beef.
Despite these various benefits, canned Tuna has been recalled for botulism contamination. Botulism is known to be a serious and potentially fatal form of food poisoning that can cause paralysis and even death. Symptoms of botulism include weakness, dizziness, double vision, and difficulty swallowing. If you have eaten any canned tuna recently, it is important to watch for these symptoms and seek medical attention if they occur.
What Is Botulism?
Botulism is known to be a potentially fatal form of food poisoning that can occur when people eat foods contaminated with the botulinum toxin. This toxin is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, and it can cause severe paralysis and even death.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States estimate that there are nearly 145 cases of botulism in the US every year. However, this number may be higher because many milder cases may go undetected.
Botulism is particularly dangerous because it can cause paralysis of the respiratory muscles, which can lead to death if not treated promptly. For this very reason, it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of botulism and get medical assistance if you believe that you may have been exposed to the toxin.
What Are The Symptoms Of Botulism?
The symptoms of botulism can vary depending on the type of exposure. For example, foodborne botulism occurs when people eat food contaminated with the botulinum toxin. The symptoms of foodborne botulism usually begin 18-36 hours after eating contaminated food, but they can occur as soon as 6 hours or as long as 10 days later.
The most common symptom of foodborne botulism is weakness, followed by paralysis of the muscles used for breathing and swallowing. Other symptoms may include:
1) Double vision
2) Blurred vision
3) Drooping eyelids
4) Slurred speech
5) Difficulty swallowing
6) Dry mouth
7) Muscle weakness
8) Paralysis
After eating canned Tuna or other potentially contaminated food items, if you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
How Can Canned Tuna Cause Botulism?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the US is warning consumers not to eat certain types of canned tuna sold in the United States because they may be contaminated with a serious and life-threatening illness called botulism.
Tuna can lead to botulism because it is a low-acid food. Bacteria that cause botulism, Clostridium botulinum, can grow in canned foods that are not processed correctly. Canned Tuna is sometimes packed in olive oil or other vegetable oils. If the fish is not packed in water or another liquid that contains acid, Clostridium botulinum bacteria can multiply and produce a deadly toxin. Hence, leads to the deadly disease.
The FDA is aware of three cases of botulism poisoning in the United States associated with consuming these recalled products.
What Is The Treatment For Botulism?
If you think you have the botulinum toxin, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. The main treatment for botulism is an antitoxin that can help to neutralize the toxin and prevent it from causing further damage. However, this antitoxin is not always available, so hospitalization may be necessary in some cases. In severe cases of botulism, a mechanical ventilator may be required to help the person breathe.
Products That Can Be Easily Affected
This recall affects the following products:
1) Chicken of the Sea canned chunk light tuna in water, 5 oz can with production date codes beginning with “049.”
2) Bumble Bee canned tuna in water, 5 oz can with production date codes beginning with “S26,” “S27,” “S28,” or “S29.”
3) Fisherman’s Wharf canned chunk light tuna in water, 5 oz can with production date codes beginning with “UPC 0 41498 00311 7” and a timestamp that reads between “HHMM” and “HHMM.”
If you have any concerns, contact the companies directly. Chicken of the Sea can be reached at 1-800-557-6222 and Bumble Bee at 1-800-852-5327. Fisherman’s Wharf can be contacted at 1-888-860-3697.
Who Is At Risk For Botulism From Canned Tuna?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating an outbreak of botulism food poisoning that has sickened seven people in the United States. All seven people reported eating canned Tuna manufactured by Castleberry’s Food Company, Inc., of Augusta, Georgia.
Botulism is known to be a serious illness caused by a nerve toxin that can be fatal. The CDC has constantly been working with public health officials in five states to investigate this outbreak.
The most common people who can be easily affected are infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. However, anyone can get sick from botulism if they eat food contaminated with the botulinum toxin.
How Can I Avoid Botulism?
Here are some things that can be done to avoid botulism, including:
1) Canned food should be inspected for signs of contamination before opening. Do not use cans that are dented, leaking, or otherwise damaged.
2) Food should be cooked thoroughly, and canned food should be boiled for at least 10 minutes before eating.
3) You should not eat raw fish or meat, and you should avoid unpasteurized dairy products.
4) If you are preparing food for someone else, make sure that they are not at risk for botulism (e.g., infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems).
5) Wash your hands thoroughly after handling food, and clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with contaminated food.
What To Do If I Have Canned Tuna In My Home?
If you have any canned tuna manufactured by Castleberry’s Food Company in your home, do not open or eat it. Throw it away in a packed container so that children, pets, or wild animals cannot access it.
If you have eaten any of this canned Tuna and have symptoms of botulism, such as blurred vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, weakness throughout the body, or paralysis of the face or respiratory muscles, seek medical attention immediately.
Botulism is a serious illness and can be fatal. If you think you may have been exposed to the botulinum toxin, contact your local health department or CDC immediately. You can also call Castleberry’s Food Company Consumer Hotline at 1-800-203-4412 for more information.
This recall applies only to specific products with certain “Best By” dates. For a complete list of affected products, visit the FDA’s website.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the US is working with the CDC to investigate this outbreak and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Conclusion
To conclude, canned Tuna is a food item that should be avoided if you are worried about botulism contamination. Botulism is considered to be a serious and potentially fatal illness that causes weakness, paralysis, and difficulty in breathing. If you have any canned tuna in your home, it is important to check the label to see if it has been recalled. If you have eaten any recalled tuna, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
The United States Department of Agriculture has recently recalled several brands of canned Tuna due to botulism concerns. If you have any canned tuna in your home, it is advised that you throw it away immediately. While the risk of contracting botulism from canned Tuna is low, it is still a potentially fatal illness. Therefore, it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to this particular food item.
