Frozen Yellowfin Tuna Recalled For Hepatitis

Sushi fans addicted to colorful lunchtime poke bowls and hand-shaped pieces of nigiri might want to slow down a moment before heading to their favorite joint. Last week, the FDA announced that frozen yellowfin tuna distributed to California and Texas is being recalled by Hilo Fish Company after its supply tested positive for hepatitis A.

The seafood company announced the recall on May 18, but the FDA, which usually withholds names of retailers carrying recalled products, made an unprecedented move by publishing a list of every restaurant and store in the affected states carrying the tainted fish. Fully cooking the fish will lower the exposure rate to hepatitis; however, since yellowfin is most commonly eaten raw, it seems the regulatory agency isn't messing around when it comes to telling consumers to be extra cautious about where their fish is coming from.

And while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hasn't had any confirmed illnesses just yet, if you've consumed tuna within the past few weeks and haven't been vaccinated for the virus yet, the agency is advising you seek a physician immediately. Hepatitis A can take the form of a short, mild sickness to a severe illness that can last a few months.

Correction: This article has been updated to clarify that the tuna was distributed to only California and Texas.