This is Randi Hacker with another Postcard from Asia from the KU Center for East Asian Studies

Fugu Part II: In the last Postcard, we talked about fugu, the poisonous poisson that has been a favorite in Japan for centuries. Well, it seems that a fish farm has recently raised fugu that are poison-free. A non-toxic fugu? Can this be kosher? Naturally, this has spawned a couple of huge debates. One among distributors who wonder whether this will compromise the rather handsome price this toxic tidbit commands on the open market and a second among gourmets who wonder if this will compromise its status as a deadly delicacy. Whatever. The main point, as I see it, is in the choices. The harmless new version gives Japanese diners a menu item hitherto unavailable. And it remains to be seen whether they will order fugu …or faux gu.

From the KU Center for East Asian Studies, I’m Randi Hacker. Wish you were here.