The period of is biologically significant for several toxic species of puffer fish.
The CDC reported that since 2019, approximately 37 people were poisoned and 10 died from consuming toxic species, prompting education efforts during peak breeding seasons like July–September. Regulatory & Import Controls Blow Fish – March-September 2020
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to enforce Import Alert 16-20 , which restricts the importation of puffer fish products and prohibits personal importation due to the high fatality rate associated with TTX. The period of is biologically significant for several
Ingestion can cause itching around the mouth, headaches, and dizziness within 20 minutes to two hours, rapidly progressing to muscle weakness, paralysis, and fatal respiratory failure. There is no known antidote . Regional Advisories (March – September 2020) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to enforce
The primary risk is tetrodotoxin (TTX) , a potent biotoxin found in the fish's liver, ovaries, and skin. TTX is heat-stable and cannot be destroyed by cooking or freezing.
The Ministry of Health maintained strict regulations during 2020, as incorrectly prepared fugu remains a leading cause of fatal food poisoning in the country, typically among unlicensed amateurs.