Re: Is "Escolar" poisonous?

From: John C. Wekell (john.c.wekell@noaa.gov)
Date: Tue Apr 05 2005 - 09:22:58 PDT

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    There seems to be indications that "escolar" can produce gastrointestinal distress, i.e., diarrhea. See the following URL:

    http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/Publishing.nsf/Content/cda-pubs-cdi-2002-cdi2603-htm-cdi2603i.htm

    Escolar appears to be a common name for different species of fish, depending on where you are in the world. Bruce Halstead, in his voluminous work ("Poisonous and Venomous Marine Animals of the World", Darwin Press, 1978), indicates that another fish in the same order, Ruvettus pretiosus, is sometimes referred to as 'escolar' in Spain, Portugal, and the West Indies. He classifies this fish as a Gempylotoxic fish. R. pretiosus, unlike most fishes, has a very high level of wax esters in its flesh. Nevenzel et al (Biochemistry 4:1589 (1965)) report that 92% of the lipids in the muscle of this fish are wax esters. Halstead attributes the laxative effect to these wax esters.

    Another fish referred to as 'escolar' is Promethichthys prometheus. There is mention that it might also be
     ciguatoxic, see:

    http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?id=5008

    Ciguatoxic fish are usually associated with tropical reef dwelling fish. Ciguatoxin, a high molecular weight polyether, arises in the environment from a dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus toxicus. Low levels of ciguatoxin or weakly toxic ciguatoxic fish will produce mild GI distress, such as diarrhea. Distinguishing the purgative effect of wax esters from low levels of ciguatoxin may be difficult.

    Ciguatera poisoning can be extremely spotty in its occurrence. In the Caribbean, one side of an island might produce toxic sample, while the other side is free of the toxin. Depending on location, ciguatera can in the extreme produce death but can also have mild to sub-lethal symptoms. A common symptom of this poisoning can be a tingling of the mouth and lips, and in some cases, a so-called "reversal of senses", i.e., thinking that hot items are cold and vice versa. For more information about the long and colorful history of Ciguatera poisoning, you might look at the Halstead reference I gave above.

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    John C. Wekell, Ph.D.
    U.S. Department of Commerce
    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
    National Marine Fisheries Service
    Northwest Fisheries Science Center
    Environmental Conservation Division
    2725 Montlake Blvd. East
    Seattle, WA 98112
     
    ph. (206) 860-3388
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    Kevin JK Choi wrote:
    Greetings Seafood List Serve,
     
    Does anyone have any information about fish "Escolar" that they can send to me? 
    I currently have a big argument with one salesman.
     
    He said that Escolar is poisonous without question and not allowed to cook for a human being. He thinks that Escolar is resulting in  the violent diarrhea every time whenever people have.  He also thinks that Escolar is resulting in  the violent diarrhea every time whenever people have. 
     
    But, I do not think so.  I have tried to have this Escolar many times before, but I was fine everytime.  I like this fish, very pleasing texture. 
     
    I know that FDA allowed to sell this fish fillets on 1994 and many Restaurants in United States are currently selling it as the best dish a la carte.
     
    Nevertheless, Is "Escolar" poisonous without question and not allowed to cook for a human being?  I believe that it will be fine, if we have just little "Escolar" at once.
    Please let me know if anyone has any opinion.
     
    Thanks,
    Kevin J.K. Choi
     
    HANAMI FOODS CORP
    Phone : 201-857-2175
                201-657-3386
    Fax :     201-581-0238

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