Scombrotoxic (histamine) fish poisoning in the United Kingdom: 1987 to 1996

Between 1987 and 1996 fresh tuna and canned tuna contaminated after processing became increasingly associated with incidents of scombrotoxic fish poisoning. Fish not commonly associated with this syndrome were implicated in several incidents. Awareness of bacterial contamination after processing has highlighted the need for submitted samples to be examined both microbiologically and toxicologically and for the potential role of other toxins in this syndrome to be considered. The overall rate of reported incidents of scombrotoxic fish poisoning remained stable.