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{{Short description|Species of fish}}
{{Taxobox
{{Speciesbox
| color = pink
| name = Escolar | name = Escolar
⚫ | image = Lepidocybium flavobrunneum NOAA.jpg
| regnum = ]ia
| image2 =Lepidocybium flavobrunneum.jpg
| phylum = ]
| status = LC
| classis = ]
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| ordo = ]
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Smith-Vaniz, W.F. |author2=Williams, J. |author3=Pina Amargos, F. |author4=Curtis, M. |author5=Grijalba Bendeck, L. |date=2015 |title=''Lepidocybium flavobrunneum'' |volume=2015 |page=e.T190287A16510672 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T190287A16510672.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
| familia = ]
| genus = '''''Lepidocybium''''' | genus = Lepidocybium
| genus_authority = ], 1862 | parent_authority = ], 1862
| species = '''''L. flavobrunneum''''' | species = flavobrunneum
| authority = (], 1843)
⚫ | binomial = ''Lepidocybium flavobrunneum''
| synonyms =
| binomial_authority = (Smith, 1843)
* ''Cybium flavobrunneum'' <small>A. Smith, 1843</small>
* ''Xenogramma carinatum'' <small>], 1904</small>
* ''Nesogrammus thompsoni'' <small>], 1923</small>
* ''Lepidosarda retigramma'' <small>], 1926</small>
* ''Diplogonurus maderensis'' <small>Noronha, 1926</small>
}} }}
The '''escolar''', '''''Lepidocybium flavobrunneum''''', a species of fish in the family ], is found in deep (200&ndash;885 metres, or 656&ndash;2,904 ft) tropical and temperate waters around the world. It is also known as ], ''{{transl|haw|walu walu}}'' (], sometimes written ''{{transl|haw|waloo}}''), and is sometimes sold as "]" or "]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/02/59-of-the-tuna-americans-eat-is-not-tuna/273410/|title=59% of the 'Tuna' Americans eat is Not Tuna|last=Mims|first=Christopher|date=2013-02-22|work=The Atlantic|access-date=22 Feb 2013}}</ref>
The '''escolar''', ''Lepidocybium flavobrunneum'', is a ], the only species in the genus '''''Lepidocybium'''''. It is found in deep (200–885&nbsp;m) tropical and temperate waters around the world.


==Biology==
The escolar is dark brown in colour, growing darker with age until it is quite black. It is a fast-swimming fish with a prominent ] and multiple finlets. It grows up to 2&nbsp;m in length.
The escolar is dark brown, growing darker with age until it is quite black. It is a fast-swimming fish with a prominent ] and four to six finlets after the anal and second dorsal fins.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://australianmuseum.net.au/Escolar-Lepidocybium-flavobrunneum-Smith-1849 |title=Escolar, Lepidocybium flavobrunneum (Smith, 1849) |publisher=Australian Museum |access-date=2015-02-26}}</ref> Escolar can grow to over {{convert|2|m|ft|0}} in length. Like its relative the ] (''Ruvettus pretiosus''), escolar cannot metabolize the ]s (gempylotoxin) naturally found in its diet. This gives the escolar an oil content of 14–25% in its flesh.


==Health effects==
Like its relative the ], ''Ruvettus pretiosus'', the escolar is consumed in several European and Asian countries, as well as in the ]. Neither fish metabolises the ]s (]) naturally found in their diet, which causes an oil content in the muscle meat of the fish amounting to 18–21%. These wax ]s may rapidly cause ] symptoms following consumption; however, these effects are usually short lived.
The escolar's ] content can cause ] (]: flow of wax), also called ] or gempylid fish poisoning.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611062250/https://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodborneIllness/FoodborneIllnessFoodbornePathogensNaturalToxins/BadBugBook/ucm071191.htm|date=June 11, 2009}}</ref>
Symptoms range from stomach cramps to rapid loose bowel movements, occurring 30 minutes to 36 hours following consumption.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cfs.gov.hk/english/whatsnew/whatsnew_fstr/whatsnew_fstr_15_oilfish.html |title=Centre for Food Safety |publisher=Cfs.gov.hk |date=2007-03-27 |access-date=2015-02-26}}</ref> This condition may also be referred to as ].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-12-19|title=Steatorrhea: Causes, symptoms, and treatment|url=https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320361|access-date=2021-08-28|website=www.medicalnewstoday.com|language=en}}</ref>


Two known ways to reduce the likelihood of escolar-induced keriorrhea are to limit portions to {{convert|170|g|oz|0}} or less<ref>{{cite web|author=Kathryn Hill |url=http://www.thekitchn.com/use-caution-when-eating-escola-66602 |title=Use Caution When Eating Escolar |publisher=The Kitchn |date=2008-10-21 |access-date=2013-09-02}}</ref> and to consume portions close to the tail, which typically have a lower wax ester content. Reports conflict on whether deep skinning, freezing or grilling will reduce the likelihood of keriorrhea.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-22|title=Keriorrhea: Symptoms, causes, treatment, and more|url=https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/keriorrhea|access-date=2021-08-28|website=www.medicalnewstoday.com|language=en}}</ref>
The gastrointestinal symptoms, called "]", caused by these wax esters may include oily orange ], discharge, or leakage from the rectum that may smell of ]. The discharge can stain clothing and occur without warning 30 minutes to 36 hours after consuming the fish. The oil may pool in the rectum and cause frequent urges for bowel movements due to its lubricant qualities and may be accidentally discharged by the ]. Symptoms may occur over a period of one or more days. Other symptoms may include stomach cramps, loose bowel movements, diarrhea, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.


==Mislabeling==
To minimize the risk of symptoms, strict control of portion size is recommended. Portions should be no greater than 6 ounces.
Escolar can be ] in both restaurants and at fish markets. In 2009, tuna samples from sushi restaurants in New York City and Denver were DNA tested. Five of nine restaurants serving fish labeled "white tuna", "white tuna (albacore)" or "super white tuna" were actually serving escolar.<ref>{{cite journal|title=The Real maccoyii: Identifying Tuna Sushi with DNA Barcodes – Contrasting Characteristic Attributes and Genetic Distances |journal=PLOS ONE |date=2009-11-18 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0007866 |last1=Lowenstein |first1=Jacob H. |last2=Amato |first2=George |last3=Kolokotronis |first3=Sergios-Orestis |volume=4 |issue=11 |pages=e7866 |pmid=19924239 |pmc=2773415 |doi-access=free }}</ref> From 2010 to 2013, a study by ], an ocean preservation organization, tested over 114 samples of tuna, and found that 84% of the white tuna samples were actually escolar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://oceana.org/sites/default/files/National_Seafood_Fraud_Testing_Results_Highlights_FINAL.pdf|title=National Seafood Fraud Testing Results Highlights|date=2013-02-21|work=Oceana Report|access-date=22 Feb 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408161812/https://oceana.org/sites/default/files/National_Seafood_Fraud_Testing_Results_FINAL.pdf|archive-date=8 April 2014}}</ref>


Oceana claims that escolar has been mislabeled or otherwise confused with the following fish: Atlantic cod, oilfish (related to escolar but in a different genus), rudderfish, blue cod, black cod, king tuna, grouper, orange roughy, sea bass, gemfish, Chilean sea bass, albacore tuna, and white tuna.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.medellitin.com/2008/12/escolar-world-most-dangerous-fish.html |title=Escolar: The World's Most Dangerous Fish // Medellitin |publisher=Blog.medellitin.com |date=2010-07-22 |access-date=2015-02-26}}</ref>
For these reasons, escolar has been banned from consumption in Japan since 1977, as the Japanese government considers it toxic. In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, after receiving complaints about diarrhea associated with escolar consumption, issued a bulletin recommending against import of the fish in the early 1990s. However, the FDA backed away from this recommendation and withdrew the bulletin several years later after deciding the fish was nontoxic and nonlethal.


Oceana claims that this mislabeling, whether by ignorance or deceit, is more hazardous than the mislabeling of other fish due to the potential health effects of escolar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/HACCP/ucm078063.htm |title=Annex 2 - Seafood References for Managing Food Safety: A Manual for the Voluntary Use of HACCP Principles for Operators of Food Service and Retail Establishments |publisher=Fda.gov |date=2013-07-19 |access-date=2013-09-02}}</ref>
Escolar is sometimes consumed raw as ] or ]. It is also sold misleadingly as "]", "butterfish", "oilfish" and "Hawaiian butter fish"; in ] and ], it is known as walu.


==Regulation and banning==
The truth is there are several different types of Escolar, and not all are the same. Escolar is actually a family name of fish(like; shark, tuna, seabass,etc.) but there different species of Escolar all around the world. There is only one type of Escolar caught on the mainland US, and this is species that causes some people to have a negative reaction. The reason why some people have a reaction to this type of Escolar (COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS "SPINY ESCOLAR" OR OIL FISH) is because it is caught in warmer water closer to the surface. The histamine levels build up in the fish, and it can cause some people to have a negative reaction to histamine levels built up in oil of the fish. This type of Escolar is easy to recognize, beacause it has bumps all over it's skin (hence the name "spiny", and the color is more of an off white or brownish-white color.DO NOT EAT THIS TYPE OF ESCOLAR! However, in many other parts of the world like Asia, Oceana, the Pacific, and Africa there better types of Escolar available. The best qualities come from Asia and the Pacific,like Hawaii and Japan! These versions of Escolar are caught in deeper, colder water where the fish have an equal fat content to match the high oil content. So, most people never have a reaction to this type of Escolar. It is often marketed from the Hawaiian Islands as Walu ( the Polynesian name), which is a species unique only to that region of the world. Walu is recognized by it's real smooth skin (similar to Ahi tuna), and clean paper white meat. In Japan this species of Escolar are often marketed as "Super White Tuna", which you will see at any high-end Japanese Restaurant or Sushi House.
Italy and Japan have banned the sale of escolar due to its potential side effects. It has been banned for consumption in Japan since 1977, as the Japanese government considers it toxic.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=950DE2D7113FF933A25750C0A96F958260|title=A Fish Puts Chefs in a Quandary|last=Burros|first=Marian|date=March 10, 1999|work=New York Times|access-date=31 March 2011}}</ref><ref name="euro"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061121234833/http://www.efsa.europa.eu/etc/medialib/efsa/science/contam/contam_opinions/609.Par.0001.File.dat/opinion_contam07_ej92_gempylidae_en1.pdf|date=November 21, 2006}}</ref> In 1999, the Swedish and Danish national food administrations informed fish trade associations and fish importing companies about the problems escolar and related fish could cause if not prepared properly and issued recommendations.

In early 2007, after a public outcry, receiving consumer complaints about mislabeled fish and conducting an investigation,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cfs.gov.hk/english/whatsnew/whatsnew_fa/whatsnew_fa_15_oilfish.html |title=Centre for Food Safety |publisher=Cfs.gov.hk |access-date=2015-02-26}}</ref> the Hong Kong government's Centre for Food Safety recommended escolar not be used for catering purposes, advised clear labeling and identification of fish species before sale, and purchase of fish from reliable sources, and recommended consumers become aware of the possible health effects of consumption of escolar, oilfish, and related species. The Hong Kong government has established a working group composed of members of the academia, trade, and consumer groups to prepare guidelines for assisting the trade and consumers in identifying relevant species of fish.

In the United States, the ], after receiving complaints about diarrhea associated with escolar consumption, issued a bulletin recommending against import of the fish in the early 1990s. However, the FDA backed away from this recommendation and withdrew the bulletin several years later after deciding the fish was nontoxic and nonlethal. Currently, the FDA informally recommends, "Escolar should not be marketed in interstate commerce."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/HACCP/ucm078063.htm |title=Annex 2 - Seafood References for Managing Food Safety: A Manual for the Voluntary Use of HACCP Principles for Operators of Food Service and Retail Establishments |publisher=Fda.gov |date=2014-07-14 |access-date=2015-02-26}}</ref>

In mid-2007, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, after investigating cases of diarrhea caused by mislabeled fish, decided not to ban escolar or oilfish, but instead issued a fact sheet<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/facts-faits/escolar-escolier-eng.php |title=Escolar and Adverse Reactions |publisher=Hc-sc.gc.ca |date=2008-02-15 |access-date=2015-02-26}}</ref> noting the potential adverse effects of consumption and recommending consumers speak with their retailer, verify fish species and consume the fish in small portion sizes using preparation methods that reduce oil content.

Hawaiian State Representative ] introduced HB2669, a bill aimed at banning the catch, sale or possession of escolar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/Bills/HB2669_.HTM |title=HB2669.DOC |publisher=Capitol.hawaii.gov |access-date=2015-02-26}}</ref> HB2669 was deferred on February 1, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2669 |title=Hawaii State Legislature |publisher=Capitol.hawaii.gov |access-date=2015-02-26}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q1367312}}

]
]

Latest revision as of 01:07, 11 November 2024

Species of fish

Escolar
Conservation status

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Scombriformes
Family: Gempylidae
Genus: Lepidocybium
T. N. Gill, 1862
Species: L. flavobrunneum
Binomial name
Lepidocybium flavobrunneum
(A. Smith, 1843)
Synonyms
  • Cybium flavobrunneum A. Smith, 1843
  • Xenogramma carinatum Waite, 1904
  • Nesogrammus thompsoni Fowler, 1923
  • Lepidosarda retigramma Kishinouye, 1926
  • Diplogonurus maderensis Noronha, 1926

The escolar, Lepidocybium flavobrunneum, a species of fish in the family Gempylidae, is found in deep (200–885 metres, or 656–2,904 ft) tropical and temperate waters around the world. It is also known as snake mackerel, walu walu (Hawaiian, sometimes written waloo), and is sometimes sold as "butterfish" or "white tuna".

Biology

The escolar is dark brown, growing darker with age until it is quite black. It is a fast-swimming fish with a prominent lateral keel and four to six finlets after the anal and second dorsal fins. Escolar can grow to over 2 metres (7 ft) in length. Like its relative the oilfish (Ruvettus pretiosus), escolar cannot metabolize the wax esters (gempylotoxin) naturally found in its diet. This gives the escolar an oil content of 14–25% in its flesh.

Health effects

The escolar's wax ester content can cause keriorrhea (Greek: flow of wax), also called gempylotoxism or gempylid fish poisoning. Symptoms range from stomach cramps to rapid loose bowel movements, occurring 30 minutes to 36 hours following consumption. This condition may also be referred to as steatorrhea.

Two known ways to reduce the likelihood of escolar-induced keriorrhea are to limit portions to 170 grams (6 oz) or less and to consume portions close to the tail, which typically have a lower wax ester content. Reports conflict on whether deep skinning, freezing or grilling will reduce the likelihood of keriorrhea.

Mislabeling

Escolar can be mislabeled in both restaurants and at fish markets. In 2009, tuna samples from sushi restaurants in New York City and Denver were DNA tested. Five of nine restaurants serving fish labeled "white tuna", "white tuna (albacore)" or "super white tuna" were actually serving escolar. From 2010 to 2013, a study by Oceana, an ocean preservation organization, tested over 114 samples of tuna, and found that 84% of the white tuna samples were actually escolar.

Oceana claims that escolar has been mislabeled or otherwise confused with the following fish: Atlantic cod, oilfish (related to escolar but in a different genus), rudderfish, blue cod, black cod, king tuna, grouper, orange roughy, sea bass, gemfish, Chilean sea bass, albacore tuna, and white tuna.

Oceana claims that this mislabeling, whether by ignorance or deceit, is more hazardous than the mislabeling of other fish due to the potential health effects of escolar.

Regulation and banning

Italy and Japan have banned the sale of escolar due to its potential side effects. It has been banned for consumption in Japan since 1977, as the Japanese government considers it toxic. In 1999, the Swedish and Danish national food administrations informed fish trade associations and fish importing companies about the problems escolar and related fish could cause if not prepared properly and issued recommendations.

In early 2007, after a public outcry, receiving consumer complaints about mislabeled fish and conducting an investigation, the Hong Kong government's Centre for Food Safety recommended escolar not be used for catering purposes, advised clear labeling and identification of fish species before sale, and purchase of fish from reliable sources, and recommended consumers become aware of the possible health effects of consumption of escolar, oilfish, and related species. The Hong Kong government has established a working group composed of members of the academia, trade, and consumer groups to prepare guidelines for assisting the trade and consumers in identifying relevant species of fish.

In the United States, the FDA, after receiving complaints about diarrhea associated with escolar consumption, issued a bulletin recommending against import of the fish in the early 1990s. However, the FDA backed away from this recommendation and withdrew the bulletin several years later after deciding the fish was nontoxic and nonlethal. Currently, the FDA informally recommends, "Escolar should not be marketed in interstate commerce."

In mid-2007, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, after investigating cases of diarrhea caused by mislabeled fish, decided not to ban escolar or oilfish, but instead issued a fact sheet noting the potential adverse effects of consumption and recommending consumers speak with their retailer, verify fish species and consume the fish in small portion sizes using preparation methods that reduce oil content.

Hawaiian State Representative James Tokioka introduced HB2669, a bill aimed at banning the catch, sale or possession of escolar. HB2669 was deferred on February 1, 2010.

References

  1. Smith-Vaniz, W.F.; Williams, J.; Pina Amargos, F.; Curtis, M.; Grijalba Bendeck, L. (2015). "Lepidocybium flavobrunneum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2015: e.T190287A16510672. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T190287A16510672.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. Mims, Christopher (2013-02-22). "59% of the 'Tuna' Americans eat is Not Tuna". The Atlantic. Retrieved 22 Feb 2013.
  3. "Escolar, Lepidocybium flavobrunneum (Smith, 1849)". Australian Museum. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  4. Archived June 11, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  5. "Centre for Food Safety". Cfs.gov.hk. 2007-03-27. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  6. "Steatorrhea: Causes, symptoms, and treatment". www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2017-12-19. Retrieved 2021-08-28.
  7. Kathryn Hill (2008-10-21). "Use Caution When Eating Escolar". The Kitchn. Retrieved 2013-09-02.
  8. "Keriorrhea: Symptoms, causes, treatment, and more". www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2020-10-22. Retrieved 2021-08-28.
  9. Lowenstein, Jacob H.; Amato, George; Kolokotronis, Sergios-Orestis (2009-11-18). "The Real maccoyii: Identifying Tuna Sushi with DNA Barcodes – Contrasting Characteristic Attributes and Genetic Distances". PLOS ONE. 4 (11): e7866. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0007866. PMC 2773415. PMID 19924239.
  10. "National Seafood Fraud Testing Results Highlights" (PDF). Oceana Report. 2013-02-21. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 April 2014. Retrieved 22 Feb 2013.
  11. "Escolar: The World's Most Dangerous Fish // Medellitin". Blog.medellitin.com. 2010-07-22. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  12. "Annex 2 - Seafood References for Managing Food Safety: A Manual for the Voluntary Use of HACCP Principles for Operators of Food Service and Retail Establishments". Fda.gov. 2013-07-19. Retrieved 2013-09-02.
  13. Burros, Marian (March 10, 1999). "A Fish Puts Chefs in a Quandary". New York Times. Retrieved 31 March 2011.
  14. Archived November 21, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  15. "Centre for Food Safety". Cfs.gov.hk. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  16. "Annex 2 - Seafood References for Managing Food Safety: A Manual for the Voluntary Use of HACCP Principles for Operators of Food Service and Retail Establishments". Fda.gov. 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  17. "Escolar and Adverse Reactions". Hc-sc.gc.ca. 2008-02-15. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  18. "HB2669.DOC". Capitol.hawaii.gov. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  19. "Hawaii State Legislature". Capitol.hawaii.gov. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
Taxon identifiers
Lepidocybium flavobrunneum
Categories: