"Do Not Eat, Must Be Discarded," Expert Warns... Thailand Stunned by 'Fluorescent Sushi'

"Concerns Over Health Issues Such as Diarrhea and Food Poisoning...
Should Be Discarded"

Sushi purchased at a store in Thailand was found to emit a blue fluorescent glow in the dark, sparking controversy locally. An expert warned that this is most likely a case of natural luminescence caused by microbial contamination and advised against consuming it.

A sushi purchased at a sushi restaurant in Thailand was captured glowing blue in the dark, causing controversy. Facebook

Recently, Thai media outlets such as Khaosod and MGR Online reported that "photos of sushi glowing blue in the dark are spreading online, raising concerns about food safety."

According to reports, on the 26th (local time), a Thai individual identified as A posted a photo of sushi purchased from a sushi brand store on social media, stating, "As I was about to turn off the light to get out of the car, I saw the sushi glowing." In the photo of the sushi set shared by A, the egg sushi is seen emitting a blue glow. A added, "After seeing this, I absolutely couldn't eat it. I was shocked. I've never seen anything like this before."

Afterward, the sushi photo spread across local online platforms, fueling further controversy. Thai netizens expressed concern, leaving comments such as "Don't eat it." One user said, "I often buy sushi in trays from department stores or supermarkets, but now I'm even afraid to go to Japanese restaurants."

In response, Jesada Denduangboripant, a professor in the Department of Biology at Chulalongkorn University, explained on his social media that "the glowing sushi is likely contaminated with microorganisms," describing the phenomenon as bioluminescence. He stated that seafood can emit light on its own even without exposure to black light or ultraviolet rays.

Denduangboripant also pointed out several possible causes for the phenomenon: luminous bacteria, the possibility that the fish had eaten bioluminescent plankton or bacteria, and chemicals such as phosphates or hydrogen peroxide used for moisturizing or bleaching. However, he emphasized that microbial contamination is the more likely cause, adding, "To determine the exact cause of the phenomenon, relevant authorities need to conduct experiments."

He further warned, "Whether caused by bacteria or chemicals, glowing sushi can lead to health problems such as diarrhea or food poisoning, so it should not be consumed and must be discarded."