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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 24) called on people not to consume puffer fish following a report of suspected poisoning associated with consumption of the fish.
Those affected were a 57-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man, who developed generalised weakness, perioral and peripheral numbness, and dizziness about one to two hours after consuming a puffer fish for dinner yesterday (November 23). The fish was caught from the sea by their friend.
They were admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital today and are now in stable condition.
A CHP spokesman said puffer fish contains tetrodotoxin, a heat-stable toxin that does not decompose with boiling or cooking.
"Toxins are most concentrated in organs such as the liver, gonads and skin. Avoiding eating puffer fish is the best way to prevent puffer fish poisoning," the spokesman said.
Ends/Thursday, November 24, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:25
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