BEIJING, Mar. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- The Ministry of Health has issued a stern warning forbidding the sale of balloonfish, after at least two people died from eating the toxic fish and several others were poisoned.

    Balloonfish, often seen on China¡¯s eastern coast and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, is forbidden for sale in China because its eggs and livers are highly toxic. It is even more dangerous this season when spawning.

    In Jan. 31, a young farmer surnamed Shi in Duntou Village, Duntou Township, Hainan ate balloonfish together with his daughter and father. All three were poisoned, and only Shi survived. Shi said he knew balloonfish was poisonous but was attracted by its good taste. He said they ate the balloonfish¡¯s liver because he ¡°did not want to waste it.¡±

    Guangzhou and Shenzhen have had more than 10 reports of balloonfish poisoning this year.

    Guangdong authorities issued a warning Tuesday against eating balloonfish .

    People are advised to be careful when buying seafood and to avoid balloonfish. They are also encouraged to report balloonfish dealers to public health departments which can impose severe penalties.

    One balloonfish contains enough poison to kill 30 people. 

(Shenzhen Daily)