Chapter 2The Microworld

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Major Foodborne Illnesses Caused by Fish Toxins

Fish Toxin Illnesses Scombroid poisoning

Ciguatera fish poisoning

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Scombroid Poisoning

Illness: Scombroid poisoning Toxin: Histamine

Commonly Linked Food Most Common Symptoms

Tuna Initially

Bonito Burning/tingling in mouth or throat

Mackerel Reddening of the face and neck

Mahi mahi Sweating Headache

Possibly later

Diarrhea Vomiting

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Preventing Scombroid Poisoning

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Most Important Prevention Measure Purchase from approved, reputable suppliers

Other Prevention Measures Prevent time-temperature abuse during storage and

preparation

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Ciguatera Fish Poisoning

Illness: Ciguatera fish poisoning Toxin: Ciguatoxin

Commonly Linked Food Most Common Symptoms

Predatory tropical reef fish from Pacific Ocean, Western Indian Ocean, and Caribbean Sea:

Reversal of hot and cold sensations

Barracuda Grouper Tingling in fingers, lips, toes

Jacks Snapper Joint and muscle pain

Nausea

Vomiting

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Preventing Ciguatera Fish Poisoning

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Most Important Prevention Measure Purchase predatory tropical reef fish from

approved, reputable suppliers

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Shellfish Toxin Illnesses Paralytic shellfish poisoning

(PSP)

Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP)

Amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP)

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Major Foodborne Illnesses Caused by Shellfish Toxins

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Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)

Illness: Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) Toxin: Saxitoxin

Commonly Linked Food Most Common Symptoms

Shellfish found in colder waters such as those of the Pacific and New England coasts:

Numbness

Clams Mussels Tingling in mouth, face, arms, and legs

Oysters Scallops Dizziness

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

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Preventing Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)

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Most Important Prevention Measure Purchase shellfish from approved, reputable suppliers

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Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP)

Illness: Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) Toxin: Brevetoxin

Commonly Linked Food Most Common Symptoms

Shellfish in warmer waters of west coast of Florida, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea:

Tingling and numbness of the lips, tongue, and throat

Clams Dizziness

Mussels Reversal of hot and cold sensations

Oysters Vomiting

Diarrhea

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Preventing Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP)

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Most Important Prevention Measure Purchase shellfish from approved, reputable suppliers

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Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP)

Illness: Amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) Toxin: Domoic acid

Commonly Linked Food Most Common Symptoms

Shellfish found in coastal waters of Pacific Northwest and east coast of Canada:

Initially Vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal pain

Clams

Mussels

Oysters

Scallops

Possibly later Confusion Memory loss Disorientation Seizure Coma

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Preventing Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP)

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Most Important Prevention Measure Purchase shellfish from approved, reputable suppliers