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Beware of Butterfish

06 January, 2010 05:27:00 All4women

Butterfish (Escovar) cannot metabolize the wax esters (Gempylotoxin) naturally found in its diet. These waxy oils accumulate to give an oil content in the muscle meat of 18-21%. These wax esters may rapidly cause gastrointestinal symptoms following consumption; however, these effects are usually short lived.

The gastrointestinal symptoms, called "keriorrhea", caused by these wax esters may include oily orange diarrhea, discharge, or leakage from the rectum that may smell of mineral oil. The discharge can stain clothing and occur without warning 30 minutes to 36 hours after consuming the fish. The oil may pool in the rectum and cause frequent urges for bowel movements due to its lubricant qualities and may be accidentally discharged by the passing of gas. Symptoms may occur over a period of one or more days. Other symptoms may include stomach cramps, loose bowel movements, diarrhea, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

To minimize the risk of symptoms, strict control of portion size is recommended as well as preparation methods that remove some of the oil. Grilling will greatly reduce the heavy fat content in the fish making it edible without ill side-effects. Portions should be no greater than 6 ounces (170 grams).

Because of the possible effects of consumption, escolar has been banned from consumption in Japan since 1977, as the Japanese government considers it toxic. It has also been banned in Italy.

P.S. Do NOT feed spare Butterfish to your cats - it can make them sicker than dogs. Any of our readers had similar experiences?

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Source: Wikipedia

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Comments (17 posted):

elaine on 04 April, 2010 04:37:24

oh yes, today is my 2nd time experiencing this symptom. The 1st time, i ate quite a big portion of butterfish, but tis time i juz had a little and still i could not take it. hahah..juz hate the smelly oily discharge.gross..

is there any way to stop it or make it come out faster?haha..

ruth on 24 March, 2010 01:26:31

It happened to me while away at the coast for a weekend. The restaurant we'd booked had closed because of storm damage and we opted for the nearest seafood restaurant. Butterfish was the special that night and I knew all about it about an hour later. Thanks for the info. It all makes sense now.

Sue on 02 February, 2010 03:14:40

I love this fish and enjoy it without any side effects. My favorite is what some sushi restaurants refer to as 'White Tuna'. When I found it in my local fish market sold as butterfish, I jumped on it! I grilled it and we loved it. It turns out that my 2 year old can't tolerate it. Poor baby couldn't control it and it sure made me wonder what was up with him. After a little research, we figured it out. He loved it so much and kept asking for it, but I won't feed it to him again! Some can and some can't. Apparently in CA they have to post a warning on the menu in restuarants that carry it!

loren on 30 January, 2010 05:26:59

Had this fish two days ago, and today i found your article and i fully understand now what's been going on. Yesterday, i was as sick as a dog with terrible convulsions and diarrhea, my family thought I was acting up a bit!! But today, another member in the fam had also side effects!!! I thankyou so much for the article, i havea some peace of mind although its such a pity the side effects of this fish, it tastes faboulous.

Khwezi Fudu on 20 January, 2010 10:56:45

this is so true. I've experienced this, the yellow oily smelly diarroeah. because I was the only one who experienced it we thought it could've been something else

Annie on 15 January, 2010 07:17:09

I've had butterfish twice and both the times I had terrible nausea for two days. Won't touch it again.

iluvbutterfish on 13 January, 2010 01:38:35

i've had butterfish on numerous occasions and have never experienced this. butterfish is one of my favourite dishes - eat it whenever i see it on the menu. i also always have it grilled though.

Lea on 13 January, 2010 07:27:43

So now I understand! I went on a date and had the butterfish, the only fish on their menu that night. Following day I had to go to work, waitressing. Was not impressed when I started experiencing the mentioned symptoms, had to leave work early. Can laugh about it now, but then I dit not think it was funny being teased by my boyfriend aboat being a little inkfish!

hannecke on 11 January, 2010 01:21:35

Now I can make sense the last time I ate butterfish I was so sick and the smell and side effects is not really worth eating it.Thanks for the advice!!

Karin on 07 January, 2010 08:12:46

The first time I ate butterfish was supposed to be a romantic dinner date....needless to say I was embarrassed beyond belief by the yellow oily stains on my pants!! The second time it happened I figured out what the cause was. I have subsequently eaten it in small portions, and at home!
This fish is readily available in restaurants and grocery stores. They should really put a warning sign on it cos the side effdects seem to be more common than peanut allergies, and those warnings we see everywhere!