Thai agencies warn alligator gar eggs remain poisonous after cooking
The public is advised to avoid the eggs and go to hospital immediately if symptoms develop after eating them, informing doctors what they consumed.
- Thai health and fisheries agencies have issued a warning that alligator gar eggs contain a biological toxin highly poisonous to humans.
- The toxin is heat-resistant, meaning it remains dangerous and cannot be destroyed by cooking methods like boiling, stir-frying, or frying.
- Ingesting the eggs can cause severe symptoms affecting the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems, potentially leading to shock, heart failure, and death.
Members of the public, including food enthusiasts, are being warned to exercise extreme caution about eating non-native aquatic animals, particularly the “alligator gar”, whose Thai nickname means “crocodile fish”.
This large, carnivorous freshwater fish belongs to an ancient group of fishes.
Although its flesh can be used in cooking in some areas, its “eggs” are particularly dangerous.
Toxins in “alligator gar eggs”
The Anti-Fake News Center Thailand and public health and fisheries agencies have confirmed that alligator gar eggs contain a biological toxin that is highly poisonous to humans and other mammals, and have warned the public of the danger. The toxin is highly resistant to heat: “Even cooking the eggs by boiling, stir-frying or frying cannot destroy this toxin.” When ingested, it directly affects the digestive, nervous and circulatory systems.
Symptoms of poisoning
People who accidentally eat alligator gar eggs will rapidly develop the following symptoms:
- Digestive system: Nausea, severe vomiting, abdominal cramps and severe diarrhoea.
- Nervous system and heart: Dizziness, a rapid drop in blood pressure, breathing difficulties, shock and loss of consciousness. Ingesting a large quantity of the toxin may lead to heart failure and immediate death.
Safety precautions and advice
- Never eat the eggs: Anyone who catches this fish, under any circumstances, must not remove its “eggs” for consumption or eat them.
- Immediate action: Anyone who accidentally eats the eggs and begins to develop symptoms should be taken to the nearest hospital immediately.
- Inform medical staff: Tell hospital staff or the doctor immediately: “I have eaten alligator gar (‘crocodile fish’) eggs.” This will help doctors assess the poisoning and provide appropriate treatment promptly.
