Consumer Alert: Strict Prohibition on Illegal Sale and Processing of Zigzag Snails

In a recent consumer alert, the Shanghai Market Supervision Administration emphasized the strict prohibition on the illegal sale and processing of zigzag snails. These snails, also known as sea silk snails or white snails, are primarily found along the coasts of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong provinces in China. The alert highlights the health risks associated with consuming these snails and urges citizens to be cautious and report any instances of their sale or processing.

The announcement references two significant regulatory documents: the Announcement on Preventing Zigzag Snail Food Poisoning issued by the former Ministry of Health (No. 13, 2012) and the Reply on Issues Related to Zigzag Snail Sales from the Office of the former State Administration for Food and Drug Administration (Food and Drug Monitoring Office Letter [2016] No. 528). These documents explicitly state that any food production and business units are prohibited from purchasing, processing, and selling zigzag snails.

Zigzag snails, characterized by their pointed and slender tails measuring approximately 1 centimeter in length and 0.5 centimeters in width (about the size of a fingernail), pose a health risk due to the presence of pufferfish toxins. Consumption of these snails can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, numbness of the lips and fingers, with an onset period ranging from as short as 5 minutes to as long as 4 hours. Pufferfish toxins are chemically stable and cannot be completely removed by common methods such as salting, sun-drying, or regular cooking. Currently, there are no specific antidotes or treatments available for zigzag snail poisoning.

To ensure personal safety, it is strongly advised that consumers refrain from purchasing and consuming zigzag snails. In the event of accidental consumption and the onset of neurological symptoms like numbness of the lips, immediate medical attention should be sought. If any instances of zigzag snail procurement, processing, or sale by food production and business units are observed, individuals are encouraged to report such activities to the Market Supervision Administration by dialing "12315."

The Shanghai Market Supervision Administration's consumer alert serves as a reminder of the strict prohibition on the illegal sale and processing of zigzag snails. By raising awareness of the health risks associated with these snails and encouraging citizens to report any violations, the administration aims to protect public health and ensure food safety. It is essential for individuals to exercise caution and stay informed to safeguard themselves and their communities from potential harm caused by the consumption of zigzag snails.