Frozen fish from China recalled as two in Chicago fall ill

WASHINGTON — The list of potentially deadly products reaching the United States from China continued to grow Thursday, as an importer recalled frozen fish that may be tainted with a lethal toxin and the Food and Drug administration blocked imports of toothpaste to test for a deadly chemical reportedly found in tubes sold elsewhere in the world.

Frozen fish labeled as monkfish and distributed in three states is being recalled after two Chicago-area people became ill after eating it, the importer announced Thursday. Hong Chang Corp. of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., said it is recalling the product because it may contain tetrodotoxin, a potent toxin.

Although the fish, imported from China, was labeled monkfish, the company said it is concerned that it may be puffer fish, because this toxin is usually associated with certain types of puffer fish.

Eating foods containing tetrodotoxin can result in life-threatening illness or death, and the toxin cannot be destroyed by cooking or freezing.

The company said two people in the Chicago area became ill after eating soup containing the fish. Analysis by the FDA confirmed the toxin's presence.

More than 250 22-pound boxes of the fish were distributed to wholesalers in Illinois, California and Hawaii, according to the company. The fish was sold in retail stores and restaurants in these regions.

Meanwhile, the FDA is testing the Chinese toothpaste for diethylene glycol, used in antifreeze and brake fluid, spokesman Doug Arbesfeld said Thursday. The imports will be released only if they test negative for the chemical.

The FDA began the tests after reports that tainted Chinese toothpaste was sold in Australia, the Dominican Republic and Panama, he said.