Fish Microbiology and Quality Assurance

Unit 6 - Biological hazards in foods

6.4.2. Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP)

• CFP is caused from the ingestion of variety of tropical and subtropical carnivorous reef fishes such as Barracuda, Groupers, Seabass, Snappers etc.
• There are over 300 fish species responsible for CFP.
• The herbivorous reef fishes feeding on toxic dinoflagellates (Gambierdiscus toxicus) are in turn fed by carnivorous fishes which accumulate toxins in their tissue.
• Toxin accumulation is more in liver followed by viscera and muscle tissue.
  

Symptoms

• Upon ingestion of toxin containing fishes, symptoms occur within 3-6 hours.
• Symptoms are similar to PSP with gastrointestinal disturbances and neurological disorders. These include vomiting, diarrhea, tingling and burning sensation in mouth, lips and throat, muscle cramping and weakness.
• Death generally occurs due to respiratory failure.
• Levels as low as 1ppb in fish can cause illness.