Scientists Find Worms in Almost Every Fish in a Tuna Haul – 96% Were Infected
A study of 53 skipjack tuna caught in Brazil revealed that 96% of the fish were infected with parasites, specifically Trypanorhyncha and Anisakis worms. Researchers emphasized the necessity of strict sanitary inspections and immediate evisceration to prevent larvae from migrating into the muscle tissue consumed by humans.
Why it matters
The high prevalence of parasites in a globally significant commercial fish species highlights critical food safety concerns for the seafood industry and consumers.
Add ScienceAlert on Google Anisakid parasite in chum salmon. (Togabi/Wikimedia Commons) A fatty tuna that is often used for sashimi or canning may be swimming with parasites more often than not.
When scientists at the Federal University of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil analyzed 53 locally caught fish, they found nearly all were contaminated by worms.
According to a brief communication published in Ocean and Coastal Research , the research team counted more than 1,600 little worms in total.
Using powerful microscopy tools as aids , they found that the kidney and heart were the only organs free of parasites in every fish.
Otherwise, the worms and their signs were everywhere.
Of the 53-fish haul, 96 percent were infected by parasites.
The intestines were the most heavily infected organ, followed by the muscle tissue – notably, the bit we eat – and then the stomach.
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