Scientists at the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil have found parasites in 96 percent of the skipjack tuna they studied.
Modern.az reports that the results of the study were published in the Ocean and Coastal Research journal.
Scientists studied the Katsuwonus pelamis species, which is widespread and commercially important in Brazilian waters. It was determined that 96 percent of the 53 fish studied were infected with parasites.
During the research, more than 1600 small worms and traces of their life activity were found in the fish. Parasites were mainly recorded in the intestines, and then in muscle tissue and stomach. No parasites were found in the heart and kidneys.
Experts stated that among the identified parasites were representatives of the genera Anisakis and Trypanorhyncha. Some species of Anisakis can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans when raw or undercooked fish is eaten.
However, scientists emphasize that the detection of parasites in fish does not automatically mean a danger to consumers. Most parasites are destroyed during proper heat treatment of fish.
Researchers recommend paying special attention to the proper cleaning of fresh fish. According to them, internal organs should be removed as soon as possible to prevent larvae from moving from internal organs to muscle tissue used for food.
Scientists also noted that the study was conducted on a small scale and covered only one region. Therefore, it is not yet possible to say that these results apply to tuna in all world oceans.
