My neighbor gave me a bag of this. Does anyone know what it is? How do you eat it? See more

Fugu fish, casu marzu, durian… These foods have one thing in common: they are among the most dangerous in the world. The reason? They can cause paralysis, hepatitis, or even typhoid fever. Top 5.

Fugu fish
Also known as “sunfish,” fugu is an Asian delicacy, widely prized for its sweet flesh. Legend has it that if prepared incorrectly, it can be fatal. Its liver and intestines contain a deadly poison, tetrodotoxin, which paralyzes the muscles and causes respiratory arrest. So, beware of preparing it improperly. In fact, to eat it without losing your life, you should cut it up while it’s still alive, taking care not to touch its liver or reproductive organs. For all these obvious reasons, it’s best to avoid preparing it yourself at home. It’s better to leave it to a professional chef.

Blood clams
Their very name is enough to make us lose our appetite: blood clams. Native to China, they are dangerous if eaten raw. They can cause serious illnesses such as hepatitis A and E, typhoid fever, and dysentery.

Casu marzu
A traditional Sardinian cheese—derived from Percorino Sardo—casu marzu, literally “rotten cheese,” is also among the world’s most dangerous foods. And for good reason: cheese fly larvae are intentionally introduced into the production process. It is thanks to their digestive action that casu marzu has its runny and creamy texture. But where does the danger lie? Scientists have identified several causes. First, many diseases transmitted by the larvae can develop in our stomachs once the cheese is ingested. Similarly, its storage in open air can increase the growth of germs. Last but not least, the larvae can remain alive and settle in our stomach, causing enteric or intestinal myiasis (the presence of animal parasites in the human body).

Durian
On the fruit front, let’s take a closer look at the durian, whose distinguishing feature is the nauseating odor it emits as soon as it is cut open – an odor that often leads to it being kept separate from other products and even banned in public places, public transportation, hotels, and taxis. A second characteristic of durian is that excessive consumption can be fatal. Very fatty and high in calories, it can be difficult to digest – so much so that every year, some people die from durian overdoses. Furthermore, its high sulfur content inhibits the ALDH enzyme, which protects our liver from alcohol toxins. It can therefore wreak havoc on our bodies if we overindulge.

Ackee
Another fruit that can cause food poisoning is ackee. Native to Jamaica, it contains hypoglycin A, which can cause severe food poisoning characterized by vomiting, hypoglycemia, seizures, and even death in the most serious cases. This is why it’s essential to wait until it’s fully ripe (and opens on its own) before eating it.

Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea—these could be signs of food poisoning. How should you react to avoid complications? Here are the symptoms to watch for.

Each year, there are between 10,000 and 16,000 cases of food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness outbreaks. Stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting… Food consumed during a meal has likely been contaminated by a toxin produced by bacteria. Looking back, you probably shouldn’t have eaten that ham, as it was well past its expiration date. If you’re traveling abroad, your food poisoning is most likely caused by contaminated water, such as salmonella or enterovirus.

Food poisoning or gastroenteritis: what’s the difference?
Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, is an illness caused by ingesting food contaminated with bacteria. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, is generally caused by a virus.

Diarrhea, vomiting, fever… What are the signs of complications and what should you do in case of food poisoning?

The three main warning signs of food poisoning are:

A fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F),
More than ten bowel movements per day,
Blood or mucus in the stool. Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if you are among the vulnerable: diabetic, taking corticosteroids, or have heart or kidney problems.

How long does indigestion or food poisoning last?
Once the symptoms of food poisoning appear, they can last from a few hours to three days.

Treatment: What to eat and how to quickly treat food poisoning?
Drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water throughout the day, in small sips, to avoid dehydration that can result from vomiting related to food poisoning. Give your stomach a rest for 48 hours by consuming mainly starchy foods (pasta, rice, potatoes). Also avoid very fatty, spicy, and sugary foods, as well as caffeinated drinks (tea, coffee, etc.) and alcohol. The foods most likely to be contaminated are raw or undercooked meats, especially poultry, and seafood: therefore, avoid consuming these foods while you have symptoms and be vigilant the next time.

Medical treatment for food poisoning primarily aims to relieve symptoms. You can take an antiemetic (Vogalene®/Vogalib lyoc®) if you experience severe nausea and repeated vomiting, and an antispasmodic such as Spasfon® if you have severe abdominal pain. Intestinal antiseptics are ineffective.

Food poisoning: can it be fatal?
The main risk is dehydration, especially in the elderly. In immunocompromised individuals, simple food poisoning can become more severe and affect other organs (kidney failure, for example), or even lead to septicemia. Finally, if you already suffer from functional digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease, food poisoning can worsen symptoms in the following months. Pregnant women and children under two years old should also monitor their symptoms and consult a doctor at the slightest doubt.

Food poisoning: should you go to the emergency room?
In the event of food poisoning, it is necessary to go to the emergency room if the pain, diarrhea, or fever are severe. In this case, you can receive intravenous rehydration if necessary. But most of the time, in this type of situation, the poisoning resolves on its own within two to seven days. If you develop a fever or if diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours, consult your general practitioner first. They may prescribe an antidiarrheal medication such as Imodium® (avoid taking it without medical advice).

Thanks to Dr. Philippe Godeberge, gastroenterologist.

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