Posted on 10/15/2007 10:34:31 AM PDT by blam
Source: American College of Gastroenterology
Date: October 15, 2007
Consumption Of Raw Fish Raises Potential Health Concerns For Consumers
Science Daily — Two case studies from Japan presented at the 72nd Annual Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology point to a potential health problem in the United States, as more Americans consume raw fish in the form of sushi and sashimi. Anisakiasis (round worm) is a human parasitic infection caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood containing Anisakis larvae.
Consumers should be aware that while larvae for the parasitic worm Anisakis cannot survive in a human host, the ingested larvae can produce severe intestinal problems warranting a visit to the emergency room.
When ingested by humans, the larvae attach themselves to the tissues lining the stomach and intestines, resulting in sudden abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Since the larvae cannot survive in humans and eventually die, intestinal anisakiasis usually resolves on its own.
Researchers in Japan examined two cases of intestinal anisakiasis presenting as an obstruction of the small intestine. In each case, both patients, ages 64 and 70, were rushed to the emergency room with sudden abdominal pain and vomiting after eating raw sardines as sashimi two days earlier. The diagnosis of anisakiasis in the stomach can easily be confirmed by endoscopy.
However, small intestinal anisakiasis is difficult to diagnose. Both patients had abdominal X-rays showed air-fluid levels suggesting a small intestinal obstruction. Using a multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT), doctors obtained high quality images of the small bowel, and found the intestinal blockage was caused by the presence of Anisakis larvae. Fluid replacement and resting immediately relieved the patients' symptoms.
Because the symptoms of anisakiasis can mimic other gastrointestinal diseases, it might potentially be misdiagnosed as appendicitis, acute abdomen (peritonitis) or stomach ulcers. According to Mashahiro Matshushita, MD of Haibara General Hospital, "Anisakiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of small intestinal obstruction."
Note: This story has been adapted from material provided by American College of Gastroenterology.
I have never understood how sushi could be considered a kosher food.
This will not curb my intake of Nigiri of all flavors, with the exception of Unagi.
That’s about it. The only safe food anymore is canned chili. Take it easy on that, too—salt kills.
Be aware that there is one way for those to enjoy sushi to be sure that you will not be troubled by these:
Chew carefully.
The worms do not survive mastication.
Thus, those who enjoy and savor sushi are at minimal risk, while those who gulp it down are at greater risk.
But I have never gotten the lest upset after sushi, but have suffered after just about every other type of restaurant meal. I’d worry more about the raw vegetables than the raw fish.
Also, none of this would be an issue if irradiation were more prevalent.
I’m too busy eating Fugu to worry about this nanny state crap!
;-)
Fan-fugu-tastic!
Not an expert, but there is a big difference between eating a raw sardine (a whole fish) as described in the article, and eating only raw flesh (the muscle).
Lessee. 180mill Japanese each eating sushi at least once per day.
That is 1.26bill instances of sushi consumption/week.
That is 63bill instances per yr.
And these researchers could come up w/ TWO case studies?
And both were linked to sardine!
What is the lifespan of the parasite from the time the fish is caught
to the time it ends up in your bento box?
Use plenty of soy sauce. It drowns the worms!
MV
My comment on soy sauce was fascetious.
Post your source re your comment on parasitic infections. I would prefer
a scientific journal and not Reader’s Digest.
MV
I eat enough wasabi to kill anything.
I love overloading my soy sauce with wasabi when eating sushi.
Me too. Add in some rocket fuel mustard or Sriracha sauce in a roll and I’m in spice heaven.
For those who don't like the idea of sushi, that's fine....all the more for me.
“I eat enough wasabi to kill anything.
I love overloading my soy sauce with wasabi when eating sushi.”
Actually one can really load up Hamachi with wasabi (the oil in Hamachi neutralizes the fire in the wasabi) when starting eating. Along with ginger between different pieces and it’s not only delicious but no bugs or problems.
Now a bartender in Japan enlightened me to this technique back in the 60’s - I know of no medical data to back it up - and have had no problems eating sushi for over 45 years.
BTW - Tojos in Vancouver BC gets my vote for ichiban ( #1) sushi experience outside of Japan.
Try Seafood Network, UC Davis, a Sea Grant program.
There are cases cited that specifically relate to parasites being transmitted by contaminated fish that had been treated with sauces (Scandinavia, Holland)
” Lessee. 180mill Japanese each eating sushi at least once per day.”
Actually , the pop. of Japan is around 127 million . As for eating sushi , on average I’d say the average urban Japanese eats sushi twice a month .
I found this source:
www.ocean.udel.edu/MAS/seafood/raw.html
Delaware Sea Grant.
The source indicates that proper storage during transport eradicates
the overwhelming majority of parasites. That includes cold storage
at -40F. Which, when I checked out the auctions at Tsikigi, the fish
were stored on dry ice and frozen solid thru and thru. Dry ice is well
below this temp. The time required at this temp was 15hr.
The gist of my post was the very low probability of contracting
parasite if the raw fish is handled appropriately. It is as simple as
freezing. Unlike trichanosis, where the frozen parasite may lie
dormant for yrs.
MV
Tell that to my wife.
Let’s change the analysis then shall we?
127mill Japanese eating on avg almost one piece of sushi per day.
That is 4.636 * 10^10 pieces of sushi consumed per yr throughout
the country. I contend that this figure is much higher.
That is 4.6bill pieces of sushi per yr. Now, how many cases
of parasite infestation present each yr? Is it less than 1% of
total instances of sushi consumption? Is it less than 0.1%?
The probability of infection would be based on several variables:
How many pieces consumed, how often sushi is consumed, perhaps a seasonal bias, types of sushi consumed, handling characteristics from
catch to restaurant, establishment in which the sushi is consumed.
It might also depend on how widespread a parasite occurs wi/ a
specific fish population.
The point is that incidence of parasitic infection is VERY low.
MV
” The point is that incidence of parasitic infection is VERY low. “
Exactly ! I agree . See my user name ?
Where do you go to eat sushi!? :)
I’ve been all the way to Tsikigi!
MV
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