Monkfish Recall
A California company recently recalled imported monkfish after two people in Illinois got sick with tetrodotoxin poisoning. It turns out that what the company labeled “monkfish” may have actually been puffer fish, which are known to have the dangerous toxin in their bodies. Tetrodotoxin attacks the nervous system, causing tingling and numbness that can advance to paralysis and death.
Tetradotoxin is so potent that it can poison those who merely touch the skin of affected fish. There have been many outbreaks and deaths in Japan because a popular dish called “fugu” is prepared using the meat of puffer fish. When prepared incorrectly, the toxin can contaminate the dish. In 1996, three California chefs were poisoned after eating puffer fish brought over from Japan.
Tetradotoxin is not destroyed by cooking.
The recalled "monkfish" was packaged in 282, 22-lb. boxes and distributed in California, Hawaii, and Illinois to wholesalers starting September 2006. The product was then sold in restaurants, retail stores, and cash and carry stores in each state.
The "monkfish" are individually packaged in clear plastic sleeves and place in a plastic liner which is inside a cardboard box, which has no lot numbers. The boxes are packed by total weight, 22 lbs., with a label on one side saying "MONK FISH GUTTED AND HEAD-OFF PRODUCT OF CHINA". Another panel has the nutritional facts and the following, "Ingredients: Monk fish; Imported by: Hoong Chang Corp, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670: Product of China (P.R.C.)."
Pritzker law is a leading foodborne illness litigation law firm. If you ate "monkfish" and became sick, contact the attorneys at Pritzker law toll free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the online consultation form. The Minnesota personal injury lawyer Fred Pritzker represents food poisoning victims throughout the United States.