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FIVE JAPANESE MEN became sick after eating poisonous puffer fish, becoming the latest victims of a delicacy seen as sophisticated by fans and crazy by others.
The men, all in their 40s and 50s, dined at a restaurant in western Wakayama city on Friday night, the city’s health official confirmed today.
They were taken ill early the next day, experiencing breathing difficulties and vomiting, the official said.
“They consumed a dinner that included liver, which is regarded as toxic material,” she told AFP, reading from a statement.
The city shut down the establishment for five days from Sunday, she said.
Calls to the restaurant went unanswered.
The restaurant served the banned, poisonous parts after requests from the diners, the official said.
The livers, ovaries and skin, among other parts, of the puffer fish — also known as the blowfish or “fugu” in Japanese — contain toxins powerful enough to kill an adult, in the worst case scenario.
Aficionados say the tingle that the organs leave on your lips — caused by the potent neurotoxin they contain — is part of the appeal.
Every year, several people in Japan are hospitalised after eating fugu.
In order to get a licence for serving the fish, restaurant chefs must train for years to pass a stringent exam, which includes paper and practical tests on how to distinguish poisonous parts from others.
Strict regulations are often credited with the low level of fatalities.
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That shit nearly killed Homer Simpson..
Tasty fish
they said they’ll try it just for the halibut
Sorry, this is no plaice for fish based puns
Don’t be codding yourself Huey, it’s always the place for fishy puns
We should all pray for their lemon soles!
Sure they were only acting the pollocks.
If they ever start selling this in Ireland, please let minnow.
Good stuff onion love it. After a hard day at office always good to get a good giggle in. Nice 1
I’ve had enough. I am exiting the Halibut
For fecks Hake
I wouldn’t give the shit to my worst anemones …
Or closest fronds!
Clowns!
Clown fish? Leave em off they’re having a whale of a time.
Considering the fish contains a neuro toxin it won’t cause any harm to those who think it wise to eat it
Stick to Long Ray or Smoked Cod from real chippers and yer belly will be fine.
FUGU ME!
The clue was in the name.
More money than sense
Master we need your skilled hands! My skilled hands are busy!!!
There’s no cure for stupid
Serves them right – what more can be said?
Where was Hootie when all of this was happening?!
With frinds like those, who needs anemone.
Why do Japanese people eat a fish that has a poisonous part anyway? No delicacy is worth risking your life for.
A touch of ‘Salmonella’ if you ask me
If they just relax and listen to the Bible as read by Larry King they’ll be fine
have your say