[MMM]

That rumor of "fake fugu" has no basis in truth. Considering how fresh the fish needs to be, why would they supply fake fugu just in case a foreigner comes in? Why would they serve fage fugu to foreigners anyway?

The toxin sac in fugu is very easy to identify, and if it is pierced it is very easy to see. This is not why people get poisoned.

The reason is people request the poison on the side and add just a little as it numbs the tongue in a strangely pleasureable way. Add too much, and it can kill you, and it does a dozen or so people a year.

No doubt there is no shortage of fugu restuarants in Hiroshima. I've had it once and couldn't understand what all the fuss was about.