What is anisakis?
Anisakis is a parasite found in the sea and can affect humans. Although we cannot avoid its presence, it is possible to learn to recognize it to prevent anisakiasis, a parasitic infection. Below we provide you with some steps and methods to identify the presence of anisakis in fish.
How to detect anisakis in hake?
Visual inspection
Before cooking fish, it is important to visually examine it. Anisakis are usually visible to the naked eye, although not always. Pay attention to its appearance, color and shape. Anisakis are small worms, white or cream in color, and may be coiled in a spiral shape. Also, check the guts of the fish, since that is where parasites are usually found.
Detection methods
There are several methods to detect anisakis in fish. You can perform an examination under bright light, placing the fish between a light source and a translucent surface to see if there are parasites. You can also freeze fish at -20°C for at least 48 hours, which not only kills the parasite but also reduces the risk of infection. However, keep in mind that these methods are not foolproof and do not always detect the presence of anisakis.
Advanced techniques
In some places, X-ray equipment is used to detect anisakis in large quantities of fish, although this technique is not common in the home. Additionally, in the case of industrially processed fish, samples can be sent to laboratories for more detailed analysis.
What causes the intake of anisakis?
If you eat fish with anisakis larvae, you may experience abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and alterations in intestinal rhythm. In more serious cases, breathing difficulties, dry cough, chest sounds, a feeling of suffocation, dizziness, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure and shock may occur. In addition to digestive problems, anisakis can also cause allergic reactions, such as hives, angioedema, or anaphylactic shock.
Prevention of anisakis
Proper cooking of fish is crucial to prevent the presence of anisakis. Cook to an internal temperature of at least 63°C to ensure you kill parasites. You can also fry, boil, boil or roast the fish, as these methods are effective in removing anisakis. If you are eating raw fish, such as sushi, freeze it at -20°C for at least 48 hours before eating. Lastly, it is important to purchase fish from reliable sources that follow food safety and proper fish handling standards.
Detecting and preventing the presence of anisakis in fish involves a combination of visual inspection and preventive tactics, such as freezing and proper cooking. For consumers, it is advisable to purchase quality fish, inspect it visually before preparing it, and be sure to cook it thoroughly or freeze it if it will be consumed raw.
