Two women workers cleaning a catch of puffer fish.

JOHOR BARU: The Health Ministry has issued a warning against eating puffer fish following 36 cases of food poisoning which resulted in two deaths.

Centre for Disease Control director Datuk Dr Hasan Abd Rahman said all the cases were in Johor.

“There have been six episodes of food poisoning from eating puffer fish eggs or flesh from May 6 to June 10.”

The cases were reported in Johor Baru, Kota Tinggi, Batu Pahat, Kulai and Pontian.

In a statement issued yesterday, Dr Hasan said puffer fish, or toad fish, contained a natural toxin.

“The fish contains tetradoxin, a poison which is found in its liver, ovaries and intestine. This toxin is extremely dangerous and cannot be destroyed by heat. The Health Ministry advises the public not to buy or eat puffer fish.”

Dr Hassan said the toxin was capable of seriously damaging the nervous system and could result in death.

“The poison is released when the fish is not properly descaled, especially if it is done by those who are inexperienced.”

The ministry had also taken samples of fish in Johor’s waters.

The public is advised to seek urgent medical treatment from clinics or hospitals if they become ill after consuming the puffer fish.

“Symptoms include a numbness of the mouth, tongue, face and fingers and toes, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, headaches, speech difficulties and paralysis,” said Dr Hasan.

Johor Women and Family Development, Social Welfare and Health committee chairman Dr Robia Kosai urged the public to be careful.

“I would advise people not to consume puffer fish because of its poison. They shouldn’t buy it if they see it in the markets.”

Pengerang Fishermen’s Association chairman Abu Bakar Mohamad said puffer fish was found in the Johor Straits.

Source : http://www.nst.com.my/

If only all other threatened species are poisonous, that would help in their preservation, to a certain extent, dont you think?

Posted on June 23rd, 2008.