Still Eating Fish?

[Richard Myers]

Cluster of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning --- North Carolina, 2007

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is a distinctive type of foodborne disease that results from eating predatory ocean fish contaminated with ciguatoxins. As many as 50,000 cases are reported worldwide annually, and the condition is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions of the Pacific basin, Indian Ocean, and Caribbean. In the United States, 5--70 cases per 10,000 persons are estimated to occur yearly in ciguatera-endemic states and territories (1). CFP can cause gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea) within a few hours of eating contaminated fish. Neurologic symptoms, with or without gastrointestinal disturbance, can include fatigue, muscle pain, itching, tingling, and (most characteristically) reversal of hot and cold sensation. This report describes a cluster of nine cases of CFP that occurred in North Carolina in June 2007. Among the nine patients, six experienced reversal of hot and cold sensations, five had neurologic symptoms only, and overall symptoms persisted for more than 6 months in three patients. Among seven patients who were sexually active, six patients also complained of painful intercourse. This report highlights the potential risks of eating contaminated ocean fish. Local and state health departments can train emergency and urgent care physicians in the recognition of CFP and make them aware that symptoms can persist for months to years.

On June 28, 2007, a woman and her husband (the index couple), both aged 31 years, were treated at a hospital emergency department for illness that developed within 24 hours after eating amberjack fish purchased from a local fish market and cooked at their home. Diagnoses of CFP were based on symptoms of mild diarrhea 4--12 hours after eating fish, followed by reversal of hot and cold sensation, abnormal skin sensations, and other neurologic symptoms within 24 hours. Both patients improved after treatment with intravenous mannitol, a long-standing treatment for CFP neurologic symptoms. Upon notification, investigators from the Food and Drug Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services contacted the fish market that sold the amberjack filets and discovered that seven of eight persons at a local dinner party also had become ill after eating amberjack from the same shipment. The one person who did not become ill was a young child who did not eat any fish....

The first female patient had become symptomatic within 24 hours of eating the fish. She proactively collected, stored frozen, and submitted four breast milk samples for testing at the FDA laboratory because she was breastfeeding her infant and, upon researching CFP on the Internet and speaking with a Florida physician who had treated cases of CFP, had learned that breast milk might be a transmission vehicle. Against medical advice, she continued to breastfeed, but her infant, aged 8 months, exhibited no observable adverse effects. She collected one of the breast milk samples previous to eating the amberjack and the other samples at 1, 2, and 5 days after eating the fish. No activity of C-CTX-1 was reported by the FDA laboratory in any of the breast milk samples.

Ciguatoxins are lipid-soluble cyclic polyether compounds and are the most potent sodium channel toxins known (3). Carnivorous tropical and semitropical fish, such as barracuda, amberjack, red snapper, and grouper, become contaminated with ciguatoxins by feeding on plant-eating fish that have ingested Gambierdiscus toxicus or another member of the Gambierdiscus genus, a group of large dinoflagellates commonly found in coral reef waters (4). Gambiertoxins from Gambierdiscus spp. are converted into more potent lipid-soluble ciguatoxins. Spoilage of fish that have been caught is not a factor in toxin development, and cooking does not deactivate the toxin. Humans who eat contaminated predatory fish are exposed to variable concentrations of ciguatoxin, depending on the fish size, age, and part consumed (toxins concentrate more in the viscera, especially liver, spleen, gonads, and roe). The attack rate can be as high as 80% to 90% in persons who eat affected fish, depending on the amount of toxin in the fish.

This cluster of CFP cases was unusual because six of the seven sexually active patients, two males and four females, reported onset of painful intercourse beginning in the first few days after onset of illness. Sexual transmission of ciguatoxin has been documented (5), and painful intercourse has been reported (6); however, painful intercourse is not commonly described as a consequence of CFP. Because all of the patients ate fish and developed other symptoms of CFP hours and days before experiencing painful intercourse, transmission through sexual intercourse was not considered likely in this cluster.

Persistence or recurrence of neurologic symptoms are hallmarks of CFP. Three of the nine patients in this cluster had recurrences of one or more symptoms for more than 6 months after their initial illness. If these patients are again exposed to fish (either ciguatoxin-contaminated or even noncontaminated fish), their symptoms likely will be more severe than those experienced with their initial episodes of CFP (3)....

CFP has been associated almost exclusively with eating fish caught in tropical or semitropical waters, but increased global marketing of these species has increased the possibility that persons in temperate zones might become ill with CFP (4). Moreover, warming seawaters might expand the ranges of ciguatoxin-contaminated fish (. In the United States, such fish have been found as far north as the coastal waters of North Carolina. Despite underreporting, CFP now is considered one of the most common illnesses related to fish consumption in the United States (9).

Any level of Caribbean ciguatoxin >0.1 ppb of fish tissue is thought to pose a health risk (3).* As this illness becomes more common in nontropical areas of the world, clinicians need to be aware of its manifestations and how to manage it. Although opinions vary on the most effective course of treatment, intravenous mannitol has been a mainstay of management of neurologic symptoms for more than 20 years. Early mannitol treatment is considered more effective, but anecdotal evidence suggests that even delayed therapy benefits some patients. Amitriptyline also has been useful in relieving some of the neurologic symptoms of CFP (10). If evaluating a possible case, clinicians should consult their local poison control center for the latest treatment guidelines.  A CDC doc

[Suzanne]

Fish Tainted With Drugs

Fish caught near wastewater treatment plants serving 5 major U.S. cities had residues of pharmaceuticals in them, including medicines used to treat high cholesterol, allergies, high blood pressure, bipolar disorder and depression, researchers reported in late March 2009.

Findings from this first nationwide study of human drugs in fish tissue have prompted the Environmental Protection Agency to expand similar research to more than 150 locations.  "The Average person hopefully will see this type of study and see the importance of us thinking about water that we use every day--where does it come from, where does it go to?" said study coauthor Bryan Brooks, a Baylor University researcher.

The research was published online by the journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry and presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society in Salt Lake City.

Brooks and colleagues tested fish caught in rivers where wastewater treatment plants release treated sewage in Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, Philadelphia and Orlando, Florida. Research has confirmed that fish absorb medicines because the rivers they live in are contaminated with traces of drugs that are not removed in sewage treatment.  Much of the contamination comes from the residues of pharmaceuticals that people have taken and excreted; unused drugs dumped down toilets also contribute to the problem.

They found trace concentrations of 7 drugs and 2 soap scent chemicals in fish at all 5 of the urban river sites studies.  --Los Angeles Times, March 26, 2009.

Suzanne

[Vicki]

Fish Tainted With Drugs

Fish caught near wastewater treatment plants serving 5 major U.S. cities had residues of pharmaceuticals in them, including medicines used to treat high cholesterol, allergies, high blood pressure, bipolar disorder and depression, researchers reported in late March 2009.

Another bonus to using herbs - the expired ones go in the compost pile without harmful side effects, instead of down the toilet to hurt the environment.

[Richard Myers]

Amazing that so many do not understand what is happening nor the risk from eating these fish. These last posts remind me of something I read many years ago. Here is wisdom from the pen of a Christian lady that was given to our church over a hundred years ago.  From the light God has given me, the prevalence of cancer and tumors is largely due to gross living on dead flesh.

In many places fish become so contaminated by the filth on which they feed as to be a cause of disease. This is especially the case where the fish come in contact with the sewage of large cities. The fish that are fed on the contents of the drains may pass into distant waters and may be caught where the water is pure and fresh. Thus when used as food they bring disease and death on those who do not suspect the danger.
 
The effects of a flesh diet may not be immediately realized; but this is no evidence that it is not harmful. Few can be made to believe that it is the meat they have eaten which has poisoned their blood and caused their suffering. Many die of diseases wholly due to meat eating, while the real cause is not suspected by themselves or by others.411 {CCh 229.7}

[Mimi]

Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Asia Cash and Carry Recalls Crown Farms Brand "Keski" Fish Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Ryhan Babu
718-894-2505

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- April 8, 2009 -- Asia Cash & Carry Inc. in Maspeth, New York, is recalling 34 cases of CROWN FARMS brand “KESKI” Frozen Fish (Bangladeshi Freshwater Fish) in 300gm packages with production code JULY 2008 because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella is an organism, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

CROWN FARMS brand “KESKI” (Bangladeshi Freshwater Fish) Fish was distributed to retail stores in NY, NJ, and MA.

The KESKI Frozen Fish was imported from Bangladesh, and distributed in cases containing vacuum-packed 300-gram packages with a production date of JULY 2008, expiration date JUNE 2010, and UPC code 5060065431145. There are 32 Blocks -300 gram packages per case.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall is the result of sampling by the US Food and Drug Administration, which revealed that the finished product contained the bacteria. The company had partially distributed the entry prior to FDA’s findings.

Consumers who have purchased CROWN FARMS brand Bangladeshi Freshwater Fish (KESKI) with production date of JULY 2008 and expiration date JUNE 2010 are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-718-894- 2505, Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4 pm EDT.

[Suzanne]

Neal Barnard, MD, of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, answers the question: "Isn't fish a health food?"   Anyone who eats fish for "health" reasons should think again. The flesh of fish can accumulate toxins up to 9 million times as concentrated as those in the waters that they live in, and the flesh of some sea animals, like shrimp and scallops, contains more cholesterol than beef. 

Fish on farms are also fed anatibiotics that are passed along to humans, impairing the immune system.  And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 325,000 people get sick and some die every year in the U.S. from eating contaminated fish and other sea animals.  --PETA's Vegetarian Starter Kit.

Suzanne

[Mimi]

100 Percent of Fish in U.S. Streams Found Contaminated with Mercury

(NaturalNews) In a new study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), every single fish tested from 291 freshwater streams across the United States was found to be contaminated with mercury.

"This study shows just how widespread mercury pollution has become in our air, watersheds and many of our fish in freshwater streams," said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that builds up in the food chain at ever higher concentrations in predators such as large fish and humans. It is especially damaging to the developing nervous systems of fetuses and children, but can have severe effects on adults, as well. The pollutant enters the environment almost wholly as atmospheric emissions from industrial processes, primarily the burning of coal for electricity. It then spreads across the plant and settles back to the surface, eventually concentrating in rivers, lakes and oceans, where it enters the aquatic food chain.

The number one cause of human mercury poisoning in the United States is the consumption of fish and shellfish.

http://www.naturalnews.com/028284_fish_mercury.html

[Mimi]

Recall -- Firm Press Release

 

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

 
Hallmark Fisheries Issues Recall of Crab Meat Because of Possible Health Risk

Company Contact:
Jamie Godfrey
503-546-7892
jamie@lanepr.com

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 16, 2010 – Charleston, Ore. – Hallmark Fisheries9, Charleston, Ore., is recalling several packaged crab meat products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The crab meat is sold under the brands Hallmark, Peacock, Quality Ocean International and Yaquina Bay in five pound cans, one pound vacuum packs, one pound plastic tubs and eight ounce plastic tubs. The crab was distributed in Washington, Nevada, Oregon and California primarily to food service companies. The code on the recall products can be found on top of the containers and are as follows:
 

CP 232 4A (A-H)
   

CP 233 4A (A-F)
   

CP 235 4A (A-F)
   

CP 236 4A (A-G)

CP 238 4A (A-H)
   

CP 239 4A (A-C)
   

CP 240 4A (A-B)
   

CP 242 4A (A-C)

CP 243 4A (A-H)
   

CP 244 4A (A-E)
   

 
   

 

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall is the result of a routine testing program by Hallmark Fisheries which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production of crab at the Charleston, Ore., facility as Hallmark Fisheries continues their investigation as to what caused the problem. 

Food service companies that have purchased the recalled products are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For questions, contact Hallmark Fisheries at 541.888.3253, Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm Pacific Time.

[JimB]

A new study published in the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene found that poisoning from ciguatera, a toxin that can make you sick when you eat certain types of fish, is 28 times more common than previous data suggests. The most recent estimate from the state of Florida found that one out of every 500,000 residents becomes sick from ciguatera poisoning each year, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that only 2 to 10 percent of ciguatera cases are actually reported in the U.S. Source

[colporteur]

 

   It is an interesting fact that there is a town in Iowa called Okoboji. It is a tourist town next to Lake Okoboji, thus the town got its name. It is a deep beautiful lake with a lot of beautiful fish, Muskies, Northern Pike, Walleyes, bass, pan fish and almost every other kind of freshwater fish including the lowly carp. I know first hand as I have pulled thousands of these fish from the lake over the years and loaded my deep freeze. Well, as carp often do they proliferated into great numbers in the lake to the point of getting almost out of control. What to do with them ? The DNR contracted to have the carp seined from under the ice in the winter ( interesting process) to the tune of hundreds of thousands of tons of fish. The Stoller fish processing company use the rough fish for dog and cat food etc.. However, a wonderful idea occurred to someone there. They took the carp to New York City, sold them to expensive restaurants, and  they were placed on the menu for what would be today, price adjusted $16-20 dollars a plate. How would they ever get rich people to pay top dollar for a rough fish that those in Iowa typically threw away or fed to the hogs ? Simple.. they presented the carp with the exotic sounding name "Okoboji Salmon." The New York-ites were never the wiser and those from Okoboji while laughing about it laughed all the way to the bank. The point is how easily people can be duped into thinking they have something special simply because it is presented that way. This reminds me of Sunday worship. People are feeding on carp that is packaged and prepared as Okoboji Salmon. It's all in the packaging and presentation.

[Richard Myers]

And, there are some who are still eating diseased fish saying that "Jesus ate fish". Yes, cp, Satan packages his lies in very clever ways.

[colporteur]

And, there are some who are still eating diseased fish saying that "Jesus ate fish". Yes, cp, Satan packages his lies in very clever ways.

For some time I did not have a brief easy response to that. Then the words came to me, " yes, but Jesus would not eat fish today. Do you know how I know that ? Because He would not give testimony for us not eat fish today and then eat them." 

[JimB]

Human antidepressants are building up in the brains of bass, walleye and several other fish common to the Great Lakes region, scientists say.

In a new study, researchers detected high concentrations of these drugs and their metabolized remnants in the brain tissue of 10 fish species found in the Niagara River.

This vital conduit connects two of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, via Niagara Falls. The discovery of antidepressants in aquatic life in the river raises serious environmental concerns, says lead scientist Diana Aga, PhD, the Henry M. Woodburn Professor of Chemistry in the University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences. Source

[Richard Myers]

The sewer systems after processing the effluent, return the "clean" water to the rivers. This is not restricted to your area, Jim. It is happening all over. And often, that river water is used for human drinking. Even after it is processed again for human use, it still has measurable amounts of these drugs.