A health alert has been issued regarding a specific batch of canned sardines from the Tunisian brand El Manar, due to exceeding regulatory histamine thresholds. This information was relayed by the Algerian Organization for Consumer Protection Himayatec, based on a statement from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Directorate of El Tarf wilaya, as well as an official notice published by the French government platform “Rappel Conso.”
According to the Himayatec Organization, the withdrawal exclusively concerns batch number 337/25, with a minimum durability date set for December 2, 2030, for the product Sardines in Virgin Olive Oil 125 g. “Histamine can form in case of poor fish preservation or if the cold chain is not rigorously maintained,” the alert warns. Resulting from a bacterial degradation process, “this substance is neither eliminated by cooking nor neutralized by canning, making the health risk persistent even after heat treatment,” the statement specifies.
As mentioned in the same source, consumption of a heavily contaminated product can lead, within minutes to hours, to symptoms such as facial flushing, feeling of heat, itching, digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea), and, more rarely, breathing difficulties or a drop in blood pressure. This type of reaction is commonly referred to as “histamine poisoning.”
In this context, the Himayatec Organization calls on consumers, particularly those in El Tarf wilaya—bordering Tunisia—but also nationwide, to carefully check the batch number and expiration date before consumption. They are advised not to consume cans corresponding to the batch in question and to go to the emergency room if symptoms appear, while keeping the packaging for possible analyses. The Organization also invites merchants and economic operators to act responsibly by ensuring the sanitary compliance of products offered for sale and cooperating with competent control services.
Presented as a preventive measure, this notice remains in effect pending any further clarifications or decisions from the competent national authorities.