A growing food scandal is making waves across the restaurant industry, as experts reveal that some sushi restaurants are serving a cheap, mislabeled fish that can cause intense stomach pain, nausea, and other severe reactions. What many customers believe to be luxurious “white tuna” may actually be a completely different species — one that the FDA warns against consuming in large quantities.
According to recent investigations, some restaurants have been substituting “escolar,” a low-cost deep-sea fish, in place of premium varieties like albacore or butterfish. While escolar may look similar and taste rich and buttery, it contains naturally occurring fatty compounds called gempylotoxins that are indigestible to humans.
When eaten, these toxins can trigger an unpleasant condition known as keriorrhea, which causes oily diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea — symptoms that can appear within just a few hours of eating.
Dr. Helen Ruiz, a food safety expert, explains:
“Escolar isn’t inherently poisonous, but it’s misleadingly sold as ‘white tuna.’ People don’t realize it can make them violently ill after a normal-sized serving.”
The issue stems from deceptive labeling and lax enforcement in the seafood trade. Some suppliers allegedly mislabel escolar to cut costs, and restaurants either unknowingly or deliberately pass it off as a more expensive fish to boost profits.
In one recent case, DNA testing conducted by the nonprofit Oceana found that nearly 60% of fish labeled as “white tuna” in U.S. sushi restaurants was actually escolar. This discovery has raised serious concerns about both food safety and consumer transparency.
One California diner who fell sick after a sushi dinner shared their experience online:
“I ordered white tuna nigiri at a place I’ve been to for years. A few hours later, I was doubled over in pain. It was embarrassing and awful. I had no idea it was something that could happen from fish.”
Health experts recommend limiting portions to under 4 ounces if you’re unsure about what’s being served, and asking your server to confirm the species before ordering “white tuna” or “butterfish.”
Food regulators have also issued warnings to restaurants, reminding them of the legal consequences of mislabeling. “Deliberately serving escolar as another species is a violation of federal food labeling laws,” the FDA stated. “Consumers deserve to know exactly what’s on their plate.”
While not every sushi restaurant is guilty, the problem appears widespread enough that experts advise extra caution — especially when ordering from unfamiliar or lower-cost establishments.
If you’re a sushi lover, the takeaway is simple: know your fish. Ask questions, read menus carefully, and be wary of suspiciously cheap “white tuna” deals.
Because behind the glossy slices and elegant plating, that “premium cut” could be a cheaper imposter — one that might leave you spending the night in the bathroom instead of enjoying a peaceful sushi dinner. 🍣💀
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