Press Release

Suspected poisoning related to consumption of puffer fish under CHP investigation

27 December 2012

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 27) reminded members of the public not to consume puffer fish following a report of suspected poisoning associated with the consumption of the fish.

The case involved a 60-year-old woman who developed lower limb weakness and dizziness about five hours after consuming a puffer fish for dinner with her friends in Shenzhen yesterday (December 26). The puffer fish was caught by patient's friend at Shenzhen.

She was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital this morning and is receiving intensive care in a stable condition.

A CHP spokesperson said puffer fish contains tetrodotoxin, a heat-stable toxin that does not decompose during 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 spokesperson said.