In fact, freezing and thawing of the product prior to removal of the toxic organs may result in the migration of toxin into the flesh of the fish. The toxin cannot be destroyed by cooking or freezing.Unless puffer fish is cleaned and prepared in a special manner to carefully remove the organs containing toxin, the flesh of the fish will become contaminated with the toxin. The liver, gonads (ovaries and testes), intestines and skin of puffer fish typically contain the toxin.Recent illnesses have been reported from consumption of imported puffer fish and domestic puffer fish from Florida, from both commercially harvested and recreationally caught fish.For more information on tetrodotoxin, refer to the Bad Bug Book available on-line. In severe intoxications, death can result from respiratory paralysis. Initial symptoms include tingling of the lips and mouth, followed by dizziness, tingling in the extremities, problems with speaking, balance, muscle weakness and paralysis, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms start within 20 minutes to 2 hours after eating the toxic fish. These are central nervous system toxins and are more deadly than cyanide.
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