96% of Tuna in a Recent Haul Were Infected with Parasites
Scientists Find Worms in Almost Every Fish in a Tuna Haul – 96% Were Infected
A study of 53 skipjack tuna caught off southern Brazil found that 96% were infected with parasitic worms, with over 1,600 worms counted in total. The intestines were most heavily infected, but muscle tissue—the part we eat—was also affected. Researchers emphasize the importance of sanitary inspection and immediate evisceration to prevent larvae from migrating into the flesh. While most parasites are harmless when cooked, the findings highlight the need for more research on fish parasites.
Everyone assumes that worms in your salmon is a sign that things have gone awry, but the anisakid life cycle integrates many components of the food web. I see their presence as a signal that the fish on your plate came from a healthy ecosystem.
- AnodicElegy
Any angler will know that, in some lakes, it seems like every fish is full of worms. I've always dealt with that by frying the crap out of them -- no medium-rare bass for me, sorry. Alternatively, I'm sure they're fine after a few weeks in the freezer.
Rivers seem to be better, with worm presence (or at least, obvious worm presence) being less common. Additionally, I've never seen worms in bottom-feeding fish like catfish and carp.
- perks_12
Land based fish farms might be the future for seafood. Actually rooting for Nordic Halibut and Salmon Evolution.
- comrade1234
First, bonito is not tuna. Second, the reason there is a season for bonito is because of the parasites.
- anon48293
It has already been known for a long time fish, and in particular tuna, carry a lot of worms and parasites, which is why freezing rules are in place in pretty much every country.
For example here are EU regulations regarding freezing Tuna
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=PI_...
- christkv
Bonus protein