Source: Extracted from M&S Food Consultants, 2001; after Smith de Waal et al., 2000.
Several cases of histamine poisoning were recorded in New Zealand in the mid-1970s. Nineteen outbreaks were reported from 1990–93 all resulting from the consumption of smoked Warehou (Kahawai) and Mackerel (Mitchell 1993).
Scombroid poisoning results in around 10–15 outbreaks per year in the United States (Centre for Disease Control 1996). Between 40 and 50 scombroid poisoning incidents are reported in England and Wales each year affecting about 100 people.
The annual prevalence of scombrotoxicosis in the United States is approximately 0.03 cases/100 000 population (Table 4.15) and the United Kingdom incidence is approximately 0.07/100 000.
Table 4.15: Seafood-related outbreaks of histamine poisoning in Australia, 1990–2000
