"Detention Without Physical Examination of Mahimahi Because of Histamine and Decomposition"

In March 1980, the Center for Disease Control reported that mahi mahi (dolphin fish) accounted for 40% of the scombroid poisoning outbreaks reported in the United States.

Also, during March 1980, FDA received reports of 10 separate scombroid poisoning incidents involving about 70 people. As a result, on April 28, 1980, the districts were instructed to sample and analyze, for histamine, 100% of all shipments of mahi mahi offered for entry from all countries.

On July 8, 1980, the districts reported that they sampled and analyzed 73 shipments of mahi mahi from China, Ecuador, Peru, and Taiwan. From this data, it was determined that mahi mahi from Ecuador and Taiwan met the criteria for detention without physical examination.

In the latter part of FY 80, LOS-DO organoleptically detected decomposition in 11 of 24 Ecuador/Taiwan mahi mahi samples (46%). Mahi mahi may be decomposed without toxicologically significant levels of histamine. Thus, all district import personnel must be alert to the possibility of significant decomposition problems in mahimahi, even when
toxicologically significant histamine levels are not noted.

Odors of spoilage are not necessarily found in the same part of fish where histamine is found. Sample results on mahimahi entering from Japan have not indicated problems with histamines and decomposition.

Recent sample results as well as a number of reported illnesses attributed to imported mahi mahi indicate continuing problems with histamines and decomposition in mahi mahi from Ecuador.

Histamine:

Districts may detain, without physical examination, all shipments of mahi mahi from Ecuador and Taiwan, except those packers identified in the Green List to this alert.

The Red List contains individual shippers on detention without physical examination from countries other than Ecuador or Taiwan.

Continue intensified coverage of all shipments of mahi mahi from all other countries except Japan. Districts may sample Japanese mahi mahi at their own discretion.

Note: Mahi mahi from packers identified in the Green List as exempt from detention without physical examination should be periodically audit sampled and analyzed for histamines.

METHODOLOGY:See Import Seafood Products Compliance Program, 7303.844.

For questions or issues concerning science, science policy, sample collection, analysis, preparation, or analytical methodology, contact the Division of Field Science at (301) 796-6600.

All requests for removal from detention without physical examination should be address to DIOP 301-796-0356.

Mahimahi (dolphin) raw, fresh or frozen, including fillets

"The article is subject to refusal of admission, pursuant to Section 801(a)(3) in that it appears to bear or contain Histamine, a poisonous and deleterious substance in such quantity as ordinarily renders it injurious to health [Adulteration, Section 402(a)(1)]"

OASIS charge code - POISONOUS

and/or

"...it appears to consist in whole or in part, of a filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance, or is otherwise unfit for food, in that it appears to be decomposed [Adulteration, Section 402(a)(3)]."

OASIS charge code - FILTHY