Ahi Poke Hepatitis Lawsuit

Frozen raw tuna that was sold in ahi poke on Oahu, Hawaii was recalled after testing positive for Hepatitis A in April 2017. The symptoms can take 6 weeks to appear, so people who were exposed may need a precautionary vaccine.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting ahi poke induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

UPDATE: Frozen Tuna Recalled for Hepatitis A

May 2017 — Frozen yellowfin tuna steaks and cubes were recalled by Hilo Fish Co. in California, Texas, and Oklahoma after testing positive for the Hepatitis A virus. The products were sold for use in sushi, ahi poke, and other seafood dishes.

What is Poke?

Poke (pronounced “POH-keh”), a raw fish salad that is commonly prepared with raw tuna (ahi). The fish is usually cut into cubes and tossed with sauce, seaweed, vegetables. It is eaten as an appetizer or as an entree over a bed of rice, like deconstructed sushi. Poke is one of the most popular foods in Hawaiian cuisine.

Frozen Raw Tuna (Ahi) Cubes Recalled for Hepatitis A

On May 3, 2017, a recall was issued for frozen raw tuna (ahi) cubes that tested positive for the Hepatitis A virus. The product was sold in ahi poke sold between April 27 and May 1, 2017, according to a notice (PDF) from the health department.

Where Was the Recalled Ahi Poke Sold?

The frozen fish that tested positive for Hepatitis A was imported to Hawaii from Indonesia by Tropic Fish Hawaii, LLC. Tropic Fish discovered 200 tainted 15-pound cases of frozen ahi cubes, but 140 of those cases were never sold.

The recalled fish was distributed on the island of Oahu to make ahi poke at the following establishments:

• Times Supermarket and Shima’s
  • Aiea
  • Kailua
  • Kaneohe
  • Kunia
  • Liliha
  • Mililani
  • Waipahu
  • Waimanalo
• GP Hawaiian Food Catering
• Crab Shack Kapolei (also known as Maile Sunset Bar & Grill in Kapolei)
• ABC Store at 205 Lewers Street

The health department said Aloha Sushi at 3131 N. Nimitz Highway did not sell the frozen raw ahi that was contaminated with hepatitis A, although the establishment was mistakenly listed on the original recall.

What Should I Do?

The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) says people who ate poke from these establishments and are not immune to Hepatitis A should get a vaccine or a shot of immune globulin (IV) within 14 days. You will need two shots of the vaccine given at least 6 months apart.

How Long Until Symptoms Appear?

It generally takes 2-6 weeks for people who are infected with Hepatitis A to show any symptoms. The virus causes liver inflammation and flu-like symptoms for 1-2 months. Children may not have any symptoms.

Early Symptoms of Hepatitis A

• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose and eyes
• Joint aches
• Changes in taste and smell

Do I have an Ahi Poke Hepatitis Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting ahi poke induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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