The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) in Guam has issued a warning against consuming mahi-mahi imported from Ecuador and Taiwan following a case of scombroid poisoning. The incident, reported on August 6, involved a person who ate the fish at a local restaurant.
Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States in the westernmost point of the country.
An investigation by the DPHSS Division of Environmental Health traced the fish to local distributor Luen Fung Enterprises. The affected mahi-mahi was delivered to 18 food establishments across Guam, including restaurants, hotels, and markets. See below for the full list.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified the manufacturer, Yian Ling Corporation from Taiwan, as part of an import alert issued on April 16, 2024, due to histamine and spoilage issues with their mahi-mahi products. The local distributor has taken action to remove the affected products from shelves and return them to the manufacturer.
Scombroid poisoning is caused by improperly refrigerated fish, including mahi-mahi, tuna, mackerel, and others. Symptoms can appear within minutes to an hour after consumption and range from mild allergic reactions to more severe symptoms such as itching, heart palpitations, blurred vision, and diarrhea.
The DPHSS advises that cooking, smoking, or freezing contaminated fish does not prevent scombroid poisoning. Contaminated fish may look and taste normal but can have a peppery, sharp, salty, or metallic taste.
Consumers are urged to dispose of any mahi-mahi from Ecuador or Taiwan and not consume or sell it.
While no additional cases have been reported, the DPHSS continues to investigate and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Commenting on this story, one national food poisoning attorney said, “Symptoms of scombrod poisoning can be scary but is rarely fatal. However, any consumer concerned about a potential reaction is advised to contact their healthcare provider.”
List of businesses that received the affected mahi mahi:
- B.J. BBQ, Harmon
- Chamorro Island Bar-B-Q, Hagåtña
- Caliente, Hagåtña
- Agana Liquor Store, Hagåtña
- Bayiew Hotel, Tumon
- Day Buy Day Market, Piti
- Pan Pacific Retail Guam Management Co. Ltd., Tamuning
- Dusit Thani Guam Resort, Tumon
- Hard Rock Cafe Guam Co., Tumon
- Jamaican Grill, Hagåtña and Dededo
- Jeff’s Pirates Cove, Ipan Talo’fo’fo
- Marina Grill, Hagåt
- Pacific Islands Club, Tumon
- Shirley’s Coffee Shop, Hagåtña, Dededo
- Sakura Noodle House I, Tamuning
- Holiday Resort Guam, Tumon
- House of Chin Fe, Hagåtña
- VIP House II, Tumon
