Puffer fish poisoning: An assessment of consumer awareness and availability in Sylhet region, Bangladesh

Puffer fish poisoning is periodically reported from different places of Bangladesh. On 6-7 December 2016, a total 7 people died and more than 30 people become sick due to consumption of fresh water puffer fish in Jaintapur upazila of Sylhet district. Following that outbreak, the present study was conducted to access a view of puffer fish consumption practice by local people, markets availability and finally general public awareness about toxicity of puffer fish. Freshwater puffer fish, Tetraodon cutcutia is commonly available in water bodies and locally known as ‘Futka mach’. After proper investigation, it was found that 64.5% people regularly consume puffer fish that are mainly villagers; people of lower bracket income and ethnic community. There were 60.47% respondent eat puffer fish regularly or have an experience of eating puffer fish due to unique taste and lower market price. It was also revealed that 78% consumers collect puffer fish from the local fish market. During preparation of cooking puffer fish, 52.71% people remove outer skin and viscera, and 47.29% people remove only the viscera part but not the skin of the fish. In terms public awareness, 84.5% respondents from the study area were found unconscious about the toxicity of puffer fish.