Saturday, August 19, 2006

Refrain Eating Barracuda: Advises BFAR


The public is advised to refrain from eating barracuda from Cuyo Pass in view of the growing information and concerns about reported ciguatera fish poisoning. This advice came from Director Malcolm L. Sarmiento, Jr. of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
According to the BFAR findings in its ciguatoxin monitoring activities, the BARRACUDA (belonging to family Sphyraenedae) fished from Cuyo Pass and landed in Barangay Butuan, Anini-y, Antique was found to be positive for ciguatoxin. This fish is teruc in Aklanon.
Ciguatoxin is produced by benthic microscopic dinoflagellates most popularly known Gambierdiscus toxicus. Ciguatera toxins are colorless, odorless, tasteless, and are unaffected by heating or freezing. This toxin is highly concentrated in the internal organs of fishes such as the livers and roe. Toxins concentrate in the head and viscera is more than in the flesh of the fish.
Ciguatera fish poisoning may occur within hours of eating an affected fish. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, body and muscle aches, headaches, numbness and tingling sensation around the mouth, hands and feet, temperature-sensory reversal, acute sensitivity to temperature-extremes and muscular weakness./MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

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