The NSW Food Authority is advising people to avoid eating spanish mackerel above 10kg in weight (as advised by NSW industry experts), as there is an increased risk of ciguatera poisoning.
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Commercial fishers, recreational fishers and consumers should not eat large spanish mackerel, as two recent ciguatera poisoning incidents involved 20kg and 40kg fish that were caught and consumed on the Mid North Coast.
The Food Authority has been advised of an incident of ciguatera poisoning affecting three people after consuming a spanish mackerel caught off the coast of Crowdy Head late last month, and a second incident last week that affected one person who consumed spanish mackerel caught off the coast at Crescent Head. In both cases, the fish consumed were caught by recreational fishermen.
Similar outbreaks were reported 12 months ago on the Mid North and Far North coast and the Gold Coast in Queensland.
Ciguatera poisoning is a form of food poisoning. It is caused by eating warm water finfish that carry ciguatera poison (toxin). Small plant eating fish eat toxic algae and in turn are eaten by larger predatory fish like spanish mackerel.
Symptoms usually start one to 24 hours after eating a toxic fish. The time before onset of illness and the range of symptoms can depend on how much fish is eaten, which parts of the fish are eaten, how much toxin is in the fish and the individual susceptibility of the consumer.
Symptoms include:
* Tingling and numbness in fingers, toes, around lips, tongue, mouth and throat
* Burning sensation or skin pain on contact with cold water
* Joint and muscle pains with muscular weakness
* Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and/or abdominal cramps
* Headache, fatigue and fainting
* Extreme itchiness, often worsened by drinking alcohol
* Difficulty breathing in severe cases.
Ciguatera toxin does not affect the appearance, odour or taste of fish. Processes like cooking or freezing will not destroy it and there is no method for removing it from fish. To minimise the risk, commercial fishers and consumers should avoid eating large spanish mackerel (10kg or more) and avoid eating the head, roe, liver and viscera, as the toxin is concentrated in these areas. Ciguatera is more common in warmer northern waters of Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Treatment
Promptly seek medical attention from a hospital or GP at the onset of symptoms. If you are concerned about ciguatera poisoning contact your Local Public Health Unit on 1300 066-055 or if you would like further information contact the NSW Food Authority helpline on 1300 552-406 or contact@foodauthority.nsw.gov.au.
