Leclerc Mackerel Nets Trigger Allergy Concerns

BREAKING NEWS: Mackerel Recalled Due to Histamine Concerns – What Consumers Need to Know

Dinan, France – A widespread recall has been issued for mackerel products sold at Leclerc stores in Dinan adn Lanvallay due to an excessive histamine level, a finding confirmed by scientific analysis. Consumers who have purchased this specific mackerel are strongly advised to avoid consumption and return the product to the store for a full refund. The recall is effective until August 17, 2025.

The affected mackerel, which is easily identifiable by its packaging and the dates indicated, falls under the category of fishing and aquaculture products. While it does not bear a specific brand name, its distinctive packaging and date markings are key identifiers. For those seeking more detailed data, a summary document in PDF format (61.88 KB) is available.

The Science Behind the Recall: Understanding Histamine

Histamine is a natural toxin found in various foods, including fish, cheeses, and cured meats. While generally harmless in small quantities,an excess can trigger adverse reactions in susceptible individuals. These reactions, often referred to as histamine poisoning or scombrotoxin poisoning, can manifest within hours of consumption with symptoms such as:

Skin Reactions: Redness, flushing, and swelling.
Gastrointestinal Distress: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
Neurological Symptoms: Headaches and dizziness.

EVERGREEN INSIGHT:

Protecting Yourself from Histamine Poisoning:

This recall serves as a crucial reminder about food safety and the potential risks associated with certain food products.To minimize the risk of histamine poisoning, consumers should:

Be Vigilant About Food Storage: Proper refrigeration is paramount for fish and other perishable items. Histamine levels can increase substantially in products that are not stored at appropriate temperatures.
Purchase from Reputable Sources: Buying from trusted retailers and adhering to recommended storage practices can significantly reduce risk.
Recognize Symptoms: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of histamine poisoning. Prompt medical attention, including the administration of antihistamines, is often effective in managing reactions.
* Prioritize Allergy Awareness: Individuals with pre-existing allergies or sensitivities should exercise extreme caution with seafood, as histamine reactions can be more severe and potentially lead to respiratory difficulties requiring immediate medical intervention.

For further inquiries, consumers can contact the provided hotline at 02 96 87 67 67.This incident underscores the importance of adhering to food safety guidelines and staying informed about product recalls to ensure personal health and well-being.

Here are 3 PAA (People Also Ask) related questions, each on a new line, geared towards the provided article content:

What’s Happening with Leclerc Mackerel?

Recent reports indicate a surge in allergic reactions linked to mackerel sold within Leclerc supermarkets across France. While mackerel itself is a common allergen, the concern isn’t the fish itself, but rather the nets used in its capture.These nets, traditionally treated with specific compounds to prevent biofouling (the accumulation of marine organisms), appear to be leaving residue on the fish, triggering reactions in sensitive individuals. This is a developing situation, and understanding the specifics is crucial for consumers, especially those with fish allergies, shellfish allergies, or marine-related sensitivities.

The Role of Net Treatments & Allergic Reactions

The primary culprit appears to be the use of antifouling paints on fishing nets. These paints contain substances like:

Copper compounds: commonly used to inhibit the growth of barnacles and algae. Copper allergies, while less frequent than other metal allergies, can manifest through skin contact or ingestion.

Organotin compounds (Historically): Though largely phased out due to environmental concerns, residual organotin from older nets could still be a factor.

Biocides: A broad category of chemicals designed to kill marine organisms. Specific biocides used can vary, and identifying them is proving challenging.

Polymeric materials: Some nets utilize coatings that, while not directly allergenic, can act as carriers for other allergens.

These substances can remain on the mackerel even after washing and processing, causing reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis. Symptoms to watch for include:

Hives and skin rashes

Itching and swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Difficulty breathing

Dizziness or fainting

Leclerc’s Response & Product Recall Information

As of August 2nd, 2025, Leclerc has issued a partial recall of certain mackerel products.Information regarding the recall can be found on their official website: https://www.e.leclerc/prospectus. The recall specifically targets mackerel caught in certain zones and during specific timeframes.

Key points from Leclerc’s statement:

Thay are working with suppliers to identify the source of the contamination.

Enhanced testing protocols are being implemented to detect residue from net treatments.

Consumers experiencing allergic reactions after consuming Leclerc mackerel are urged to seek medical attention and report the incident to both their doctor and Leclerc customer service.

The recall is being conducted as a precautionary measure,prioritizing consumer safety.

Identifying Potentially Affected Mackerel

Determining if your mackerel is affected isn’t straightforward. Leclerc’s recall notices provide specific lot numbers and catch locations. However, here are some general guidelines:

Check the packaging: Look for lot numbers mentioned in the recall notices.

Origin of catch: Mackerel sourced from areas known to utilize heavily treated nets may pose a higher risk.

Appearance: while not always visible, a slight discoloration or residue on the fish could indicate contamination. Though, relying on visual inspection alone is not sufficient.

Purchase date: Mackerel purchased recently is more likely to be affected, given the timeframe of the reported issues.

Beyond Leclerc: Is This a Wider Problem?

The Leclerc situation highlights a potential systemic issue within the fishing industry. Antifouling net treatments are widespread, and the risk of residue transfer to edible fish isn’t limited to one supermarket chain.

Related concerns:

Other retailers: Consumers should be vigilant when purchasing mackerel from any source.

Different fish species: While mackerel is currently the focus, other fish caught using similar nets could also be affected.

Lack of regulation: Current regulations regarding net treatment residue on edible fish are often insufficient or poorly enforced.

Cross-contamination: The potential for cross-contamination in processing facilities needs to be addressed.

protecting Yourself: Practical Tips for Consumers

If you have a known fish allergy, shellfish allergy, or marine sensitivity, consider the following:

1. Avoid mackerel temporarily: Untill the situation is fully resolved, it’s best to avoid consuming mackerel altogether.
2. Read labels carefully: Pay close attention to the origin and processing information on fish packaging.
3. cook fish thoroughly: while cooking won’t eliminate all potential allergens, it may reduce the amount of residue present.
4. Consider option seafood: Explore other seafood options that are less likely to be affected by net treatments.
5. Carry an epinephrine auto-injector (epipen): If you have a severe allergy, always carry your EpiPen and know how to use it.
6. Report any reactions: If you experience an allergic reaction after consuming fish, report it to your doctor and the relevant food safety authorities.
7. Stay informed: Regularly check for updates from Leclerc, food safety agencies, and reputable news sources.

The future of Net Treatments & Food Safety

The Leclerc mackerel incident is highly likely to spur increased scrutiny of net treatment practices and food safety regulations. Potential solutions include:

Development of eco-friendly net treatments: Research into alternative, non-toxic antifouling coatings is crucial