Hep A-Tainted Ahi Recalled on O‘ahu

Hepatitis virons. Author: Dr. Erskine Palmer, USCDCP

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health has recently been notified about imported frozen raw tuna or ahi cubes distributed by Tropic Fish Hawaii LLC. on O‘ahu that tested positive for hepatitis A.

The frozen product, imported from Indonesia, was used to prepare poke sold between April 27 and May 1 by food establishments on O‘ahu, including Times Supermarket and Shima’s locations in Aiea, Kailua, Kaneohe, Kunia, Liliha, Mililani, Waipahu and Waimanalo.

The product was also used to prepare food served or sold by GP Hawaiian Food Catering, theDa Crawfish & Crab Shack Kapolei (also known as Maile Sunset Bar & Grill in Kapolei), and the ABC store at 205 Lewers St.

The ABC store at 205 Lewers St. used the recalled fish in poke sold on April 30.

In an earlier press release,  Aloha Sushi at 3131 N. Nimitz was named a one of the food establishment that used the imported ahi that was recalled Tropic Fish Hawaii. However, Aloha Sushi reported that it did not serve or sell the product that tested positive for hepatitis A.

Customers who purchased and consumed the product and are not vaccinated for hepatitis A are advised to consult with their doctor about vaccination.

“Times Supermarket and Tropic Fish notified the department as soon as they learned of the test results on the imported fish,” said Peter Oshiro, chief of the DOH Food Safety Program. “All of the product is being traced, collected and held by the distributor. Fortunately, in this case, Tropic Fish Hawaii kept excellent records and has been contacting all retailers and pulling the product quickly.”

“Because it generally takes two weeks for those infected to develop symptoms of hepatitis A, vaccination or immune globulin can still provide some protection against the disease for those who may have been exposed in the last week,” said Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist. “We remind those who received their first dose of hepatitis A vaccination during an earlier outbreak on Oahu to obtain their second dose for long-term immunity.”

Persons who consumed poke from the affected food establishments between April 28 and May 1 may have been exposed to hepatitis A and are advised to:

1. Contact their healthcare provider about receiving hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin (IG), which may provide some protection against the disease if administered within two weeks after exposure.
2. Monitor their health for symptoms of hepatitis A infection up to 50 days after exposure.
3. Wash hands with soap and warm water frequently and thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food.
4. Stay at home and contact their healthcare provider immediately if symptoms of hepatitis A infection develop.

Symptoms of hepatitis A infection usually appear two to six weeks after exposure and include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, diarrhea, and yellow skin and eyes.  Individuals, including food service employees, exhibiting symptoms of hepatitis A should stay home and contact their healthcare provider.

Testing of individuals who do not have symptoms of hepatitis A is not recommended, with the exception of food handlers who have been exposed to the disease, as required by Hawai‘i State law. Hepatitis A vaccine or IG, if indicated, should be administered after results of the testing are received.

DOH is working with the distributor and visiting all affected facilities to ensure proper sanitation and decontamination procedures are taken. The product is embargoed by the state until further testing is determined and coordination with federal authorities is completed.

While vaccination provides the best protection, frequent handwashing with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing food can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A.  Appropriately cooking foods can also help to prevent infection.

Additional information about hepatitis A can be found online.

For a statewide list of vaccinating pharmacies, go to http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/vaccines-immunizations/vaccine-locators/ or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 2-1-1.