Import and Sale of Live Marine Fish for Human Consumption
For Prevention and Control of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning

Ciguatera fish poisoning is reported in Hong Kong from time to time, sometimes as large outbreaks . It is mainly associated with the consumption of coral reef fish which has accumulated the toxin in its body, in particular internal organs, through eating small fish that consumes toxic algae in coral reef areas. In general, the larger the fish the higher the level of toxin. However, it is not easy to tell from the appearance of the fish if it contains the toxin. The toxin cannot be destroyed by cooking.

People affected may show symptoms of numbness of the mouth and the limbs, vomiting, diarrhoea and pain of the joints and muscles. If excessive toxin was consumed, the circulatory and nervous systems would be affected.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has devised a Code of Practice which contains the minimum requirements in importing and selling live marine fish for human consumption to ensure food safety, especially in terms of the prevention and control of ciguatera fish poisoning. The Code will be effective starting from 15 December 2004. The Code is applicable to all importers, wholesalers (including local fish farms) and retailers (including restaurants selling live marine fish) who import or sell live marine fish.

Code of Practice (PDF format)