Japanese food manufacturer, Nissin Foods, released a new pufferfish – or “fugu” – flavoured instant ramen earlier this week, which the company says blends the “flavour of grilled fugu with the aroma of yuzu” alongside dried chicken meatballs, shredded egg, and spring onions. The fugu and yuzu salt sachet can be omitted entirely, or added with hot water, if you dare.

A statement on Nissin’s website isn’t exactly clear on whether pufferfish is an actual ingredient, or if it’s simply nodded at with the seafood-flavoured broth but we reckon that kind of ambiguity is even more appealing to the thrill-seekers out there.

The fish, (also known as blowfish, and toadfish), is considered one of the most poisonous creatures in the animal kingdom. Almost every species of pufferfish is poisonous and can cause death if not prepared properly.

The organs, blood, bones and skin of the pufferfish contain concentrated levels of tetrodotoxin, a potent poison that is around 1,200 times more toxic to humans than cyanide. The toxin causes a particularly gruesome death, starting with a numbing sensation around the mouth, followed by paralysis in the face which spreads to the rest of the body, ending in asphyxiation.

Victims remain completely conscious as paralysis takes hold. There is no known antidote.

Related story: Should you wash chicken before cooking it? We lay the argument to rest

The flesh of the fish is commonly served either as sashimi or in a hot pot (and now, cup noodles) and fans say that the subtle flavour, chewy texture, and tingling sensation in the mouth is worth the risk. We’ll take their word for it.

Despite its deadly reputation, pufferfish is considered a delicacy across Japan, where chefs must train for at least two years before they can undergo certification to handle the lethal fish. The fugu licenses are issued by local government and the exam and conditions can vary from prefecture to prefecture. So dicey is the consumption of this taboo delicacy, some areas don’t even allow the certification.

Even in the face of such stringent regulations, death from eating pufferfish is still more common than we care for. Reports vary but Japanese authorities estimate that anywhere between 50 and 100 people die each year from tetrodotoxin poisoning after consuming pufferfish.

Where can you buy fugu noodles?

If you’re still keen to roll the dice, the Nissin Fugu and Yuzu noodles retail online for about $2.70. Here you go.

Related story: Danish food authorities have recalled a Korean ramen range for being too spicy