Tag: Marine biotoxins

Over 180 cases of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning were reported in New Zealand between 1992 and 1993, underscoring the serious public health threat posed by contaminated seafood. These toxins are naturally occurring compounds produced by microscopic algae that can accumulate in mollusks, making them dangerous for human consumption.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fish and shellfish poisoning is a common illness linked to contaminated seafood. A seafood toxin is not a single entity but a diverse range of poisons, primarily originating from biological sources like microorganisms or naturally occurring toxins, as well as from environmental chemical pollutants. Understanding the specific type of contamination is crucial for preventing serious illness and knowing how to respond effectively.

According to the World Health Organization, natural toxins are chemical compounds produced by living organisms that can pose a serious health threat to humans. One potent and often misunderstood example of a natural chemical foodborne hazard is ciguatera poisoning, which comes from toxins that accumulate in certain reef fish.

Over 50,000 people globally are affected by ciguatera poisoning annually, making it one of the most common seafood-related illnesses worldwide. A key part of seafood safety is understanding what are the names of the 5 toxins that are from seafood and shellfish, which often originate from harmful algal blooms.