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Fugu: Japan's Deadly River Pigs
posted by John Spacey, January 22, 2014
Fugu is a fish (pufferfish) that has been consumed in Japan since antiquity.  Fugu is best known for its poisonous potential. Pufferfish contain tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin. Fugu dishes must be prepared by a highly trained fugu chef. Otherwise, they can be deadly. Some people say that fugu makes their tongue tingle. Others claim it numbs their tongue. These are generally thought to be myths. Properly prepared fugu shouldn't numb your tongue. River PigIf you blow air into your cheeks in Japan people will invariably tell you that you look like a Fugu. The Japanese kanji for Fugu (河豚) can be translated literally as "river pig". The fugu's unique shape and appearance is much celebrated in Japanese culture. Fugu restaurants often have large Fugu models out front to attract customers. Fugu are best served fresh and may be displayed in a aquarium in the restaurant.  Fugu DishesFugu is most often served as a sashimi (consumed raw). This is considered the best way to savor its unique taste. Fugu may also be fried, grilled, baked or stewed.  Fugu PricesFugu is amongst the most expensive ingredients used in Japanese food. A serving of Fugu sashimi typically costs 5,000 yen ($65). The Emperor & FuguFugu has been eaten in Japan for as long as historical records go back. Archeologists have found evidence it has been consumed for at least 2,300 years in Japan. Fugu consumption has resulted in countless deaths throughout history. A number of times, Fugu was completely banned in Japan by the reining government. For example, the Tokugawa shogunate (–1868) banned fugu.Modern preparation methods and quality controls have vastly improved Fugu safety. Nevertheless, a danger remains. For this reason, the Emperor of Japan is forbidden to eat Fugu.How Dangerous is Fugu? The Japanese government maintains statistics about fugu poisonings. Each year there are 20 to 44 fugu poisonings in Japan. Contrary to popular myth, fugu poisoning isn't always fatal. The fatality rate in Japan is only 6.8%. The most fatalities in one year was 6 in Japan. Some years there are no fatalities at all.The survival rate for fugu poisoning outside Japan isn't tracked. It's likely lower. Japanese hospitals are equipped to treat fugu poisoning. Japan has strict regulations and training for fugu chefs. This makes fugu far safer in Japan. Some countries, such as the United States require that fugu chefs be certified in Japan.Amateur Fugu ChefsMany incidents of fugu poisoning in Japan are fisherman or other amateur fugu chefs who attempt to prepare fugu at home.
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