Neurotoxins can have serious health consequences, especially when ingested through tainted food. Among the most powerful of these toxins is botulinum toxin, famous for its deadly effects. Ciguatoxin, another dangerous neurotoxin, is commonly found in fish — especially in areas with coral reefs. The emerging dangers posed by these carcinogenic toxins demonstrate even further the need for strict food safety standards and hygiene practices.
It should be noted that botulinum toxin has long held the dubious honor of being the most potent neurotoxin known to science. The toxin can cause serious illness or death if swallowed, even in minuscule amounts. This toxin typically results from food that has been improperly stored or handled. Beware bulging, cracked, or severely dented cans, as they may indicate botulism risk. Safe food handling and storage practices are important to minimize the risk of botulinum toxin contamination.
Ciguatoxin is yet another neurotoxin that poses serious health threats. It is most commonly found in fish harvested in areas with extensive coral reefs, such as the Caribbean Sea and the South Pacific. Unlike many other foodborne toxins, ciguatoxin is heat-stable and thus cooking the fish does not destroy the toxin. Eating fish that are contaminated with ciguatoxin can cause ciguatera, an illness marked by GI and neurological symptoms. Due to its occurrence in species such as tuna and mackerel, awareness of this toxin is important from a seafood consumer standpoint.
Neurocysticercosis is the condition that results when human beings swallow the eggs of the pork tapeworm. This underdiagnosed condition is the most common cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide. This condition is a reminder of the need to always cook pork to a safe temperature to prevent the possibility of infection. Additionally, lack of adequate sanitation and hygiene continues to play a key role in the transmission of neurocysticercosis. Effective hand hygiene is critical to safeguarding against this ailment.
Salmon, sardines, and trout are all rock stars in their high omega-3 fatty acid content and low mercury concentrations. Watch out, because other fish carry ciguatoxin. Consumers need to be educated about the hazards associated with different fish. This is of high relevance for fish harvested from geographic regions notorious for ciguatoxin.