Texans have received a warning from the state department of health about six species of fish caught in portions of the Neches River Basin due to fish testing for heightened levels of mercury and dioxins. The area of concern is a portion of the Neches River Basin that includes Sam Rayburn Reservoir and B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir. It stretches from the State Highway 7 bridge west of Lufkin downstream to the U.S. Highway 96 bridge near Evadale, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The affected species consist of:
Blue catfish (over 30 inches)
Flathead catfish
Gar (all species)
Largemouth bass (over 16 inches)
Smallmouth buffalo
Spotted bass (over 16 inches)
Women of childbearing age and children under 12 are advised not to eat any amount of fish caught from the area. Adult men and women past childbearing age should not eat any smallmouth buffalo and should only eat a maximum of one 8 oz. meal per month of the flathead catfish and gar, while only a maximum of two 8 oz. meals per month of the blue catfish, largemouth bass or spotted bass. Children younger than 12 and women who are nursing, pregnant or who may become pregnant should avoid eating these fish because the nervous systems of unborn and young children are particularly susceptible to toxins, the health department said.
The News Desk team at Food Safety News covers breaking developments, regulatory updates, recalls, and key topics shaping food safety today. These articles are produced collaboratively by our editorial staff.
Almost 500 people were sick in a major E. coli outbreak in Germany in 2025, according to recently released figures from a regional State Office for Health and Social Affairs.
The root cause of a large E. coli outbreak in the United Kingdom in 2024 remains unknown with authorities warning a re-emergence is possible.
Almost 300 people fell ill
Authorities in Lithuania are investigating two cases of foodborne botulism linked to fish sold at a market.
The State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) conducted an inspection at a market
The Yakima Health District in Washington is investigating 10 confirmed and suspected cases of Salmonella infection among individuals who reported eating food at the Fourth of July event hosted by
Khong Guan Corporation is recalling specific lots of “Glutinous Rice Balls with Black Sesame Filling” because they may contain undeclared peanuts.
People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to
A court in Spain has maintained the prison sentence of a woman who attempted to murder her ex-partner using chocolate laced with rat poison.
A ruling in November 2021
As part of its enforcement activities, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until
