Hello Fresh is apologising to customers, advising them not to eat portions of trevally included in the ingredients to make a coconut fish dish in this week's menu.
In a message to customers who ordered the meal kit, the company is warning people not to consume the fish.
"Our supplier has just advised, as of Monday, November 9, 2020, there is presence of elevated histamine levels in the "White Fish (Trevally)" that you received this week in the recipe 'Coconut Fish & Makrut Lime Sauce with Jasmine Rice & Crispy Shallots'. As a precautionary measure, we would advise you to not consume the product."
According to New Zealand Food Safety, histamine poisoning happens when the fish is not chilled adequately. If this happens in certain fish, including trevally, it can be toxic to humans.
People who eat the infected fish are likely to experience a number of undesirable symptoms including tingling and burning around the mouth, facial flushing, diarrhoea, skin rash, nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, dizziness, palpitations, headaches and possibly respiratory distress.
Symptoms can last for up to 12 hours but there are no long-term effects.
The company has apologised to customers for the "inconvenience".
"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and will be providing a refund of the cost of the ingredient. We want to assure you the safety and quality of our ingredients is our highest priority."
The meals are delivered nationwide to homes on Sunday.
The company provides a phone number if people have already eaten the food and are concerned.
Hello Fresh has been approached for comment.
