Report of the Expert Meeting on Ciguatera poisoning : Rome, 19-23 November 2018

This publication provides a risk assessment of known toxins leading to ciguatera poisoning as well as guidance on risk management options, including establishing and/or strengthening surveillance programmes and monitoring transmission through the food web.

Ciguatera poisoning (CP) is one of the most common food-borne illnesses related to seafood consumption.

While in some regions it has been known for centuries, its true incidence is not fully understood, with an estimated 10 000-50 000 people affected every year.

CP is predicted to become more common due to climate change and the globalization of trade, which may contribute to its spread.

CP is caused by the consumption of marine species that have become toxic from feeding on toxic benthic dinoflagellates (Gambierdicus toxicus) or from the consumption of carnivorous marine species that have consumed other toxic species that have fed on the dinoflagellate.

Gambierdicus toxicus is found primarily in the tropics and more than 400 aquatic species are known to be vectors of ciguatera