Monday 13/April/2026 – 12:59 PM
Today falls on Monday, April 14, 2026. Sham El Nessim holidayOn this occasion, Egyptians are keen to eat fesikh, herring, and other salted fish, among the popular dishes known in Sham El Nessim celebrations. However, there are some health risks associated with eating fesikh and herring, including food poisoning.
Symptoms of food poisoning as a result of eating fesikh and herring
Dr. Gamal Shaaban, former director of the Heart Institute, explained to Cairo 24: Symptoms of food poisoning as a result of eating fesikh and herring in Sham El-Nessim, saying: If any of the following symptoms appear after eating salted fish, you must immediately go to the nearest hospital or call an ambulance. Symptoms of infection include: blurred eyes, double vision, difficulty swallowing or speaking, shortness of breath, general weakness or vomiting, in addition to a severe headache or dizziness.
Ways to prevent food poisoning as a result of eating fesikh and herring
Dr. Jamal Shaaban continued that there are someGeneral tips and instructions to prevent the risk of food poisoning resulting from eating fesikh and herring, including purchasing from a reliable source, by making sure to buy fesikh and herring from known and reliable places. The fish must be healthy, not bloated, and have a natural smell, and the herring must be a light golden color with an unbroken skin.
Dr. Jamal Shaaban, former director of the Heart Institute, pointed out that it is necessary to avoid eating the dangerous parts of herring and fesikh, such as the head of the fish, its bones, or its entrails, because toxins are concentrated in these areas. It is recommended to remove the skin of smoked herring to get rid of the harmful substances deposited from the smoke, in addition to cooking the herring well in a little oil, with the addition of lemon juice, which helps in killing bacteria.
To reduce health risks after eating fesikh and herring, Dr. Jamal Shaaban explained that it is necessary to drink a lot of water, as water helps rid the body of excess salts, and eat fresh leafy vegetables such as lettuce, arugula, and parsley, as they are rich in potassium, which helps neutralize the effect of sodium, and drink diuretic drinks such as hibiscus, anise, or green tea with mint to help flush out salts.
