Escolar fish

Wednesday 20 August 2003

The Agency has received reports of mislabelling of the escolar fish species as sea bass or 'sea bass steaks.' But because of its heavy fat content, escolar can, if not prepared properly or if eaten in large quantities, have a laxative effect causing stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Grilling will tend to reduce the heavy fat content whereas battering will not.

Additional symptoms, which may appear within 3-12 hours after eating the fish, include headache, nausea and vomiting. Recovery usually takes 24-48 hours. The illness may be more severe in older people and those with an existing bowel condition.

It is likely that many food business proprietors are unaware of the potential health consequences of escolar being consumed.

The Food Standards Agency has issued a Food Hazard Warning alerting the public and local authorities to the potential health consequences of people escolar.