TOXIC tuna fish, which put three members of a family in hospital, is still affecting its victims 14 months after a birthday meal turned to near-tragedy.

Twins Stephen and Christine Bowman-Jones, and their father, Nigel, needed urgent hospital treatment only minutes after starting their meals on July 30, last year.

As his sister and father were treated, Stephen, 23, suffered the worst reaction. Medics at Darlington Memorial Hospital had to revive him after his heart stopped when he went into anaphylactic shock.

However, he was quickest to recover. His father, from Stockton, is still having blood tests, and Christine has only recently finished having treatment.

An investigation by Darlington Borough Council's public health officers has absolved Maxine's restaurant, at the Grange Hotel, Darlington, of any blame.

Likewise the fishmonger, who has not been named, has been cleared. Officers believe the fish became toxic when it was caught.

Tuna must be kept at less than four degrees celsius from the time it is caught to when it is cooked.

Reactions to poisoning can range from a burning sensation in the mouth to death.

Mr Bowman-Jones believes the family has been lucky, despite his blinds and canopies business losing about £16,000 because of his inability to work.

"My mother-in-law, who came with us on this occasion, is 82. If she had had it, it would have killed her," he said.

"Fortunately, I'm just about over it, hopefully. It was frightening. You couldn't tell whether Stephen's eyes were open or closed, they were so red. I think they did an exemplary job at the hospital."

John Birnie, manager of Maxine's, said: "While we are concerned for the continuing health problems of Mr Bowman-Jones and his family, the statement made in the public health report, which attaches no blame to the hotel, has been well received.

"We have always been confident that our diligence of critical controls on chiller units and the chiller transport which delivers our produce have always been observed."