Starbucks Food Safety Practice Exam

Which fish are associated with ciguatera intoxication?

1. Anchovies and sardines

2. Predatory fish like barracuda and red snapper

3. Salmon and cod

4. Tilapia and catfish

The correct answer is: Predatory fish like barracuda and red snapper

Ciguatera intoxication is primarily linked to the consumption of certain predatory fish that accumulate toxins produced by marine algae, specifically dinoflagellates. These toxins can be concentrated in larger fish that are higher up the food chain. Fish like barracuda and red snapper are known for concentrating these harmful compounds in their tissues as they feed on smaller fish that have consumed the toxic algae. The other choices consist of fish that do not typically accumulate ciguatoxin. For example, anchovies and sardines are smaller fish usually considered safe to eat because they are lower on the food chain. Meanwhile, salmon and cod, as well as tilapia and catfish, are primarily freshwater or non-predatory species and are less likely to carry the ciguatera toxin. Therefore, the association of ciguatera intoxication with predatory fish is key to understanding and preventing this type of foodborne illness.