Many associations, such as the CDC ( Center for Disease Control and Prevention) , agree that eating certain raw fish and shellfish, without prior knowledge, can be harmful to health, due to the parasites that exist.
However, we have seen the dish of sushi or ceviche that are consumed raw or smoked and are very popular. For this reason, in this article we share valuable information with you if you are a lover of raw fish, so that you know which ones can be consumed and how you can do it safely.
How can you eat raw fish safely?
Raw fish can be consumed (as in the case of sushi, ceviche or sashimi), as long as the necessary precautions are taken, which are essential to prevent gastrointestinal problems, diarrhea or severe nausea. Here are the following ways to safely eat raw fish:
1. Select fresh fish
The first step is the selection of a fresh fish, you must ensure that the fish has a clean and shiny appearance , with the scales attached to the meat and, apart from that, you must pay attention to the aroma of the sea and algae that these fish have.
Other important aspects are the texture, which if it is slimy or sticky it is better to discard it, also taking into account the appearance of the gills , which should be colored in red or pink tones.
Note: One review mentions something important regarding fresh fish: “In this fresh fish presentation, the fish retains its anatomy and does not undergo any processing or preservation . ” (1)
2. Maintain proper hygiene
Hygiene is essential for fish, this fillet has a strong aroma and is also an extremely delicate meat, therefore there are several factors in the consumer environment that must be taken into account after purchasing the fish.
To highlight: Although establishments must have adequate standards for the care of fish , the consumer must also have similar ones, such as keeping them frozen, as well as washing them properly and not touching them with dirty utensils or mixing them with other foods . powerful.
3. Store and refrigerate it correctly
This is a very important point, the fish must be kept stored at all times when it is not being consumed, apart from keeping its meat intact, it prevents microbial agents from beginning to grow in it.
For this reason, the fish must be frozen at temperatures of 0° to -6° maximum, always in the freezers, with this the appearance of microbes and the same degradation of the fish is avoided, taking into account that they cannot be refrigerated. with other types of meats or ingredients nearby.
Important: A manual of ”Seafood Technologies ” highlights the following: “Refrigeration slows down the loss of freshness characteristics of fish and microbial activity”. (two)
What fish can be eaten raw?
Taking into account the recommendations for acquiring and keeping raw fish in good condition for a specific dish, comes another very relevant point, which is the issue that concerns us. Therefore, the types of fish that can be eaten raw are the following:
1. Freshwater and inland fish
Freshwater fish are those that usually live in rivers, streams or lagoons. Edible fish from these waters include salmon, trout, bass and catfish, many of which are popular for their great taste and recognizable appearance.
You should know: They are also called inland waters, since fish such as salmon are interconnected in them, which is an important source of nutrients such as vitamins B12 or omega 3 acids , while others such as sea bass provide minerals such as potassium .
2. Bivalve molluscs
Bivalve molluscs are those we know as mussels, clams, oysters or razors , which have iron, calcium and are essential for controlling overweight and even manage to greatly reduce the development of cholesterol.
Note: Bivalve molluscs have certain specifications when buying and maintaining, you have to be careful that their shells are wet or shiny , with an aroma of the sea and they must be kept frozen for no more than 6 months, to thaw them they must be transferred to the refrigerator.
3. Canned and salted fish
Canned fish (or canned fish) is healthy, as long as it is kept in fresh oils by recognized brands, among them are tuna, sardines and anchovies that provide many fatty acids, omega 3 acids and various types of vitamins.
On the other hand, some salted fish are also found in cans. In its fresh and original form, tuna, cod, hake, turbot, sardines and monkfish stand out , many of these fish provide vitamin D and B complex, apart from phosphorus and proteins.
What are the risks of eating raw fish?
The consumption of raw food carries many risks , caused by bacteria or parasites that lodge and continue to develop, and more when there is no care indicated towards the specific consumption of raw fish. Therefore, by way of prevention, the most relevant risks are the following:
1. Poisoning
Food poisoning is a major risk factor, leading to death in the worst case. Its symptoms (in the case of eating raw fish) can appear 20 or 30 minutes after eating, and are caused by the ” Vibrio vulnificus” bacterium .
You should know: Among the most notable symptoms of poisoning from the consumption of raw fish are: abdominal pain (in the gastrointestinal system), numbness of the face , nausea or also hives , are often confused with allergic reactions, but medical check-ups are necessary .
2. Gastrointestinal upsets
Raw fish can transmit parasites, such as Anisakis (hosted in hake or cod) that can cling to the gastrointestinal mucous walls , causing vomiting, stomach aches and severe irritation, being a major risk factor.
Important: Sometimes, if not treated properly, it perforates the stomach by becoming a “gastric parasite” , which unfortunately can only be removed with digestive system surgery or even endoscopy.
3. Infections and diseases
Finally, the Anisakis parasite can cause a fairly serious disease known as “anisakiasis” , which is caused by eating raw or undercooked fish. Although this parasite is hosted by various molluscs, there are other fish in which parasites of the family Anisakidae are not found .
In this sense, diseases such as anisakiasis cause urticaria, anaphylactic shock, asthma and even rhinoconjunctivitis, taking into account very progressive abdominal pain and nausea, sometimes treated through surgical interventions.
Important: An exhaustive study highlights the following: “Anisakis can cause diseases in humans through the local effect of the parasite on the wall of the digestive tract . ” (3)
Key Findings
- Raw fish can be consumed as long as it is obtained fresh and not manipulated.
- The ideal fish that can be eaten raw are those from fresh water, those preserved in cans and even fresh molluscs.
- You can suffer from poisoning or gastrointestinal discomfort if you eat raw fish in poor condition.
- One of the most common diseases due to poor consumption of raw fish is anisakiasis .
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.