TOXINS

Question 1

Brevetoxin
illness: NSP - Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning

• again filtering toxic algae
• cannot taste or smell
• cannot destroy toxin by freezing or cooking

Answer 1

!!!TOXIN!!!

COMMONLY LINKED:

• clams
• mussels
• oysters

SYMPTOMS:

• tingling and numbness of lips, tongue, and throat
• dizziness
• hot cold reversal
• vomiting and diarrhea

PREVENTION:
-purchase from reputable suppliers

Question 2

Domoic Acid
illness: Amnesiac Shellfish Poisoning

• shellfish become contaminated by filtering toxic algae in water
• people get sick when they eat them
• can’t taste or smell toxin
• cannot get rid of by freezing or cooking

Answer 2

!!!TOXIN!!!

COMMONLY LINKED:

• clams
• mussels
• oysters
• scallops

SYMPTOMS:
Initial
-vomitting
-diarrhea
-abdominal pain

Later

• confusion
• memory loss
• disorientation
• seizure and coma

PREVENTION:
-purchase from reputable buyers

Question 3

Ciguatoxin
illness: Ciguatera Fish Poisoning

• found in some marine algae / builds up in certain fish as they eat smaller fish
• cannot smell or taste
• illness can last for months or years

Answer 3

!!!TOXIN!!!

COMMONLY LINKED:

• barracuda
• grouper
• jacks
• snapper

SYMPTOMS:

• nausea
• vomitting
• hot cold reversal
• tingling in fingers
• joint and muscle pain

PREVENTION:
-purchase predatory tropical fish from reputable dealers

Question 4

Saxitoxin
illness: PSP - Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning

• some types of shellfish become contaminated as they filter toxic algae from water
• cannot be smelled or tasted
• not destroyed by freezing or cooking
• can result in death

Answer 4

!!!TOXIN!!!

COMMONLY LINKED:

• clams
• mussels
• oysters
• scallops

SYMPTOMS:

• nausea
• dizziness
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• tingling arms, face, or legs

PREVENTION:
-purchase shellfish from reputable suppliers

Question 5

Histamine
illness: Scromboid Poisoning (Dark Meat Fish)

• when Time and Temp Abuse - bacteria on fish make toxin
• cannot be destroyed by freezing, cooking, smoking, or curing

Answer 5

!!!TOXIN!!!

COMMONLY LINKED:

• tuna
• bonito
• mackerel
• mani-mahi

SYMPTOMS:
Initially-
-reddening of face and neck
-sweating
-headache
-burning or tingling sensation

Possibly Later-

• vomiting
• diarrhea

PREVENTION:

• prevent Time and Temp Abuse during storage and prepping
• purchase from reputable suppliers