New York City Food Protection Practice Test

What causes Ciguatera Intoxication?

1. Eating undercooked meat

2. Consuming toxic red algae through small fish

3. Ingesting contaminated vegetables

4. Drinking contaminated water

The correct answer is: Consuming toxic red algae through small fish

Ciguatera intoxication is caused by consuming fish that have accumulated toxins produced by certain types of marine microalgae known as dinoflagellates. These algae are often found in warm coastal waters, particularly in the Caribbean and the Pacific. When small fish consume these toxic algae, they can become contaminated. Larger predatory fish that eat these smaller fish then accumulate higher levels of the toxins, which can lead to ciguatera poisoning in humans when they consume the contaminated fish. This process highlights the importance of food chain dynamics in marine environments, where toxins can become concentrated in larger fish, posing a significant health risk when they are consumed. Understanding the origin of ciguatera toxins is crucial for food safety practices, especially in regions where these fish are commonly caught and eaten.