The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, gave the
warning in a statement in Abuja.
Adeyeye explained that the fish might contain the potent and
deadly toxins tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin, which could cause severe
illness and death.
She said that some organs of the fish, such as liver and gonads
(ovaries and testes), the skin and intestines typically contained
the toxin.
According to her, cooking or freezing cannot destroy the
toxin.
She added that freezing and thawing of the product prior to
removal of the toxic organs might result in the migration of toxin
into the flesh of the fish.
“Restaurants and fish sellers are warned not to serve or sell
this fish also known as puffer, swellfish, fugu, globefish or sea
squad among other names, as this will severely endanger public
health.
“Due to the potential health hazard associated with the fish,
NAFDAC does not allow importation or sale of puffer fish.
“And we hereby alert the general public on dangers of consuming
PUFFER FISH,” she stated.
The NAFDAC boss said that the agency was committed and
determined to safeguarding the health of the nation. (NAN)
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