Food safety
Avoid high-risk parts of coral reef fish
Avoid high-risk parts such as the head, organs, skin and roe. If diners become ill, keep fish details and seek medical care promptly.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
Why it matters
Ciguatera toxin in coral reef fish is not reliably destroyed by normal cooking.
Wrong action
Serving the head and organs of a large reef fish because it was thoroughly cooked.
Correct action
Avoid high-risk parts such as the head, organs, skin and roe.
What to do
- Follow CFS buying advice and avoid choosing very large coral reef fish.
- Avoid high-risk parts such as the head, organs, skin and roe.
- If diners become ill, keep fish details and seek medical care promptly.
If something happens
If someone becomes ill after eating, stop serving, keep food details and seek medical care. Call 999 for breathing difficulty, seizures or unconsciousness; do not induce vomiting.
Sources and review
- Centre for Food Safety — CFS: ciguatera
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.