Parasites found in 96% of popular fish species – study
Brazilian scientists have discovered parasitic worms in 96% of examined skipjack tuna specimens. The worms penetrated the muscle tissue, posing a risk to consumers. The study was published in the journal Ocean and Coastal Research.
Brazilian scientists from the Federal University of Santa Catarina conducted a study in which they found parasitic worms in 96% of 53 skipjack tuna specimens. The results were published in the journal Ocean and Coastal Research. A total of over 1,600 parasites were counted. The worms were found not only in the intestines but also in the muscle tissue—the part that ends up on consumers' plates. Worms from the groups Trypanorhyncha and Anisakis were identified. Scientists note that the presence of parasites in wild fish is a natural norm, but the rate of spread raises questions. Emergency gutting of fish immediately after catch is recommended to prevent larvae from migrating into the muscles. Deep freezing and heat treatment kill the parasites. The main threat comes from raw or undercooked fish, such as in sushi and sashimi. Marine parasite populations have grown in recent decades.