The product in question is made of fish – can, data on the labelling: trading name “SAIRA Sardinela in its own juice with oil added”, weight of the packaging 240 g, best before date 28.01.2013, lot 175228, distributor BALTAXIA, a.s., U Nisy 604/15, Liberec, FAO 032/34 EE228 EU.

Samples were taken at retail of trade cooperative KONZUM in Ústí nad Orlicí.

The Inspection Authority ordered immediate withdrawal from circulation and handed the case to the State Veterinary Administration to complete the investigation at the distributor.

Histamine is a biogenic amine (organic compound derived from ammonia) which may, when consumed in higher amount, cause symptoms of so-called pseudoallergy. These symptoms can be easily confused with symptoms of real food allergy. Besides unwholesome fish, also some cheeses, red wines and oriental foodstuffs treated by fermentation process are the most frequent sources of contamination.

With regard to the best before date, consumers still may have this product at home. The possibility that single unwholesome pieces of packaging can still be offered by retails cannot be excluded, as the withdrawal has not been finished yet. CAFIA does not recommend that consumers eat this food on any account.

Information on the product was handed to the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) which alerts the other Member States of the European Union of the unwholesome goods as well.