You may have seen it on the menu at your favorite sushi bar — “White Tuna” or “Super White Tuna.”
Sounds fancy, right?
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: what you’re eating probably isn’t tuna at all.
In many cases, white tuna is actually a fish called escolar — a deep-sea fish with a buttery texture and rich taste. Escolar has often been sold under misleading names like butterfish, oilfish, or white tuna.
But here’s why you should think twice before ordering it…
Escolar contains wax esters — a type of oil your body cannot digest.
The result?
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Oily, orange anal leakage (yes, seriously)
- An embarrassing experience you won’t soon forget
This unpleasant reaction even has a name: keriorrhea.
It’s not a food allergy, nor a bad batch — it’s just how escolar works with your digestive system.
Some countries, including Japan and Italy, have outright banned the sale of escolar. Yet in the UK, US, and elsewhere, it’s still slipping onto menus — often disguised as something it’s not.
DNA testing of sushi samples in the US has shown that up to 80% of “white tuna” served was actually escolar.
So what can you do?
✅ Ask your server or sushi chef what species the “white tuna” really is
✅ Stick to clearly labeled cuts like albacore or yellowfin
✅ Be cautious with anything called “butterfish” or “super white tuna”
Bottom line:
Escolar isn’t dangerous, but it will leave you regretting your dinner choice — maybe before you even leave the restaurant.
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