Answer: The tetrodotoxin is neutralized during the cooking process
Tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin found in puffer fish, can be lethal if ingested in sufficient quantities. However, Japanese chefs who prepare puffer fish, also known as fugu, undergo rigorous training to ensure that they remove the toxic parts of the fish and properly prepare it for consumption. Through careful cooking techniques, such as removing specific organs containing tetrodotoxin and minimizing contamination, the toxin is neutralized, making the dish safe to eat. Therefore, Japanese diners who consume properly prepared fugu do not succumb to the effects of tetrodotoxin and do not turn into "zombies."
