BFAR reminds public to avoid eating poisonous fish, crabs

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) issued a reminder on Thursday for the public to avoid eating certain crabs and types of fish as these contain poisonous toxins.

The BFAR mentioned the Pufferfish, which is locally called butete, the Horny Goby that is also called biya, and certain crab species such as the Floral Egg Crab and the Devil Crab.

The above-mentioned crabs and fishes contain the poisonous tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin on their skin, body and organs.

"Mabilis umepekto ang lason na mararamdaman agad sa loob ng 5 hanggang 30 minuto. Ang pagkain ng mga ito ay maaaring maging sanhi ng pagkamatay," said BFAR.

(The poison is fast-acting, with symptoms occurring within 5 to 30 minutes. Eating them can be fatal.)

These species of fish and crabs, BFAR said, may cause acute poisoning and could be life-threatening if ingested.

The symptoms of poisoning to look out for, include:

• numbness of the lips and tongue
• sweating and salivation
• muscle twitching
• lack of body coordination
• paralysis of part or all of the body
• the skin, lips, and nails turning blue
• stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea
• headache
• chest tightness
• decrease in blood pressure
• difficulty in breathing
• loss of consciousness

"Dalhin agad sa pinakamalapit na ospital ang sinumang nakakain o hinihinalang nakakain ng mga isda at alimasag na ito," the agency said.

(Immediately take anyone who has eaten or is suspected of having eaten these fish and crabs to the nearest hospital.)

"Huwag ipagwalang-bahala at makinig sa mga babala tungkol dito."

(Don't ignore and listen to warnings about this.) — BAP, GMA Integrated News