20 Apr 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 20) called on people not to consume puffer fish following a report of suspected poisoning associated with consumption of such fish.
The affected were a 57-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman, who developed weakness, limb numbness and dizziness about seven hours after consuming a puffer fish they bought from a wet market for dinner yesterday (April 19). They were admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on the same day and are now in stable condition.
A CHP spokesman said puffer fish contains tetrodotoxin, a heat-stable toxin which does not decompose with boiling or cooking.
"Toxins are most concentrated in the organs such as liver, gonads and skin. Avoiding eating puffer fish is the best way to prevent puffer fish poisoning," the spokesman said.