FDA warns of illness from tainted fish in northern Gulf of Mexico
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Associated Press
Published: February 5, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) - The FDA is recommending fish processors avoid buying seafood harvested near a sanctuary in the northern Gulf of Mexico after confirming several outbreaks of ciguatera (see-gwuh-TEHR’-uh) fish poisoning in consumers.
The agency says fish such as grouper, snapper, amberjack and barracuda represent the most significant threat to consumers. They feed on fish that have eaten toxic marine algae. The toxin is dormant in fish, but can be poisonous to humans.
Symptoms of ciguatera poisoning include nausea, vomiting, vertigo and joint pain. In the most serious cases, neurological problems can last for months or even years. Outbreaks have been confirmed in Washington, D.C. and St. Louis. Overall, there have been at least 28 reported cases across the country, with the first case being reported in late November.
The fish linked to the illnesses were harvested near the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
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