Import
and Sale of Live Marine Fish for Human
Consumption
For Prevention and Control of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning
Ciguatera fish poisoning
is reported in Hong Kong from time to time,
sometimes as large outbreaks . It is mainly
associated with the consumption of coral
reef fish which has accumulated the toxin
in its body, in particular internal organs,
through eating small fish that consumes
toxic algae in coral reef areas. In general,
the larger the fish the higher the level
of toxin. However, it is not easy to tell
from the appearance of the fish if it contains
the toxin. The toxin cannot be destroyed
by cooking.
People affected may show
symptoms of numbness of the mouth and the
limbs, vomiting, diarrhoea and pain of
the joints and muscles. If excessive toxin
was consumed, the circulatory and nervous
systems would be affected.
The Food and Environmental
Hygiene Department (FEHD) has devised a
Code of Practice which contains the minimum
requirements in importing and selling live
marine fish for human consumption to ensure
food safety, especially in terms of the
prevention and control of ciguatera fish
poisoning. The Code will be effective starting
from 15 December 2004. The Code is applicable
to all importers, wholesalers (including
local fish farms) and retailers (including
restaurants selling live marine fish) who
import or sell live marine fish.
Last
revision date: 26-03-2004