Why Eel Sashimi Is Unsafe: Understanding the Risks of Consuming Raw Eel

News

Why Eel Sashimi Is Unsafe: Understanding the Risks of Consuming Raw Eel

Why Eel Sashimi Is Unsafe: Understanding the Risks of Consuming Raw Eel

You may have noticed that eel sashimi is something you never see on menus or in stores. The reason behind this is that eel cannot be eaten raw because its blood contains toxins.

The toxin present in eel blood is officially known as “Ichthyotoxin.” If a large amount of fresh eel blood is consumed, it can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, skin rashes, cyanosis, lethargy, arrhythmia, weakness, sensory abnormalities, paralysis, and even respiratory distress, which in severe cases, can be fatal.

When it comes to poisonous fish, pufferfish (fugu) is well-known. The toxin found in pufferfish, tetrodotoxin, is over a thousand times more toxic than cyanide, making it extremely dangerous. Although the toxin in eel, Ichthyotoxin, is not as potent as that of the pufferfish, it still poses a risk as it is present in the eel’s flesh.

However, there’s no need to worry. Ichthyotoxin, the toxin in eel blood, is highly sensitive to heat. It loses its toxicity after being heated to 60°C for five minutes.

Therefore, when eel is properly cooked, the toxin is completely neutralized.

Cooked eel dishes are entirely safe, as the heat renders the toxin harmless, allowing you to enjoy the delicious taste of eel without any concerns.

It’s surprising to learn that eating eel as sashimi is not advisable!

Why Eel Sashimi Is Unsafe: Understanding the Risks of Consuming Raw Eel

What will happen on human body if eating eel sashimi?

If a person consumes eel sashimi, they could potentially ingest a toxin known as Ichthyotoxin, which is present in the blood of eels. Since this toxin is not destroyed in raw form, eating eel sashimi can lead to several adverse effects on the human body. The possible symptoms include:

Gastrointestinal Issues: Diarrhea and vomiting are common symptoms.
Skin Reactions: Skin rashes may develop.
Respiratory Problems: Cyanosis (a bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen) and difficulty breathing could occur.
Cardiovascular Symptoms: Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) and weakness might develop.
Neurological Effects: Sensory abnormalities, paralysis, and lethargy are possible.
In Severe Cases: If a significant amount of the toxin is ingested, it could lead to severe complications, including respiratory distress, which can be fatal.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary in severity depending on the amount of eel blood consumed and the individual’s sensitivity to the toxin. This is why eel is always cooked before consumption, as the cooking process neutralizes the toxin, making it safe to eat.

How to treat the patient if strong reaction after eating eel sashimi?

If a person experiences a strong reaction after eating eel sashimi, immediate medical attention is crucial. Here are the steps to take:

1. Call Emergency Services:

Immediate Response: Contact emergency medical services (EMS) if the patient shows severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, cyanosis, or loss of consciousness.

2. Initial First Aid:

Induce Vomiting: If the person is conscious and has only recently consumed the eel sashimi, inducing vomiting may help reduce the toxin load. However, this should only be done if advised by medical professionals.
Monitor Vital Signs: Keep track of the patient’s breathing, pulse, and level of consciousness. Be prepared to perform CPR if necessary.

3. Hospital Treatment:

Gastric Lavage: In the emergency room, doctors may perform gastric lavage (stomach pumping) to remove any remaining toxin from the stomach.
Activated Charcoal: Administration of activated charcoal can help absorb the toxin in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing its absorption into the bloodstream.
Intravenous Fluids: IV fluids may be given to prevent dehydration, especially if the patient has been vomiting or experiencing diarrhea.
Oxygen Therapy: If the patient has respiratory distress, supplemental oxygen may be administered.
Medications: Depending on the symptoms, medications may be given to control nausea, vomiting, or arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
Observation and Monitoring: The patient may need to be monitored in the hospital for several hours or days, depending on the severity of their symptoms.

4. Specialized Care:

Respiratory Support: If the patient experiences severe respiratory distress or paralysis, they may require intubation and mechanical ventilation.
Cardiac Monitoring: Continuous ECG monitoring may be necessary to detect and manage any heart rhythm abnormalities.

5. Long-term Care:

Neurological Assessment: If the patient experienced neurological symptoms, a thorough assessment may be needed to check for any lasting effects.
Follow-Up: After recovery, follow-up appointments may be necessary to ensure that all symptoms have resolved.