FDA seeks injunction against Sharkco Inc.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it is seeking court action against a Louisiana seafood company because of alleged health safety violations.

The FDA said it is seeking a permanent injunction against Sharkco Seafood International Inc. of Venice, La., to stop the seafood processing company from distributing scombrotoxin-forming fish in interstate commerce. FDA officials said eating scombrotoxin-forming fish that are not properly preserved or refrigerated can result in scombroid food poisoning, a food-borne illness that results from eating spoiled or decayed fish.

Scombrotoxin-forming fish most commonly include mackerel, sardines, tuna, bluefish, and mahi mahi, officials said.

The government's complaint accuses Sharkco Seafood and its owners, Khai Nguyen and Tuan Nguyen, with violating federal law by failing to establish and implement an adequate plan that determines and monitors food safety hazards.

"FDA repeatedly warned and tried to work with Sharkco Seafood," said Michael Chappell, the federal agency's acting associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. "The company had ample time to take correction action, which it failed to do. An effective seafood (safety) plan is critical to safeguard the health of the American people. We will take prompt action against companies whose poor business practices could jeopardize the public health."