Studies: raw fish risky

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 

Sushi bento. Eating raw fish could lead to severe intestinal problems.
Image: Shiva-Nataraja.

Studies presented at the 72nd Annual Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology show that eating raw or undercooked fish, such as sushi or sashimi, can lead to severe intestinal problems caused by parasitic roundworms called anisakis.

Symptoms of the infestation include sudden abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and can be severe enough to warrant a visit to the emergency room. One form of anisakiasis, the illness caused by the infestation, could be difficult to diagnose and could be misdiagnosed as appendicitis, peritonitis, or stomach ulcers, potentially leading to incorrect treatment.

Related news

• "Eight Californians seriously ill after eating live shellfish" — Wikinews, September 9, 2006

Sources

• Sally Squires. "Sushi, With a Side of Parasite?" — Washington Post, October 16, 2007
• "Consumption Of Raw Fish Raises Potential Health Concerns For Consumers" — ScienceDaily, October 15, 2007