News

EFSA publishes the latest studies from the risk assessment program in Portugal

Portugal
Published Jun 3, 2022

Tridge summary

A study has assessed the risk of Anisakis from fish in Portugal and people’s knowledge of the parasite.

Original content

Researchers gathered information on risk perception and attitudes in the Portuguese population to contamination of fish with Anisakis and their knowledge of methods to prevent infection. Parasitic nematodes of the genus Anisakis are the causative agent of anisakiosis. Humans are infected through consumption of raw or undercooked fish contaminated with the parasite. Infection can result in both gastrointestinal and allergic symptoms. There are few reports of anisakiosis in Portugal, but evidence of Anisakis allergy exists, indicating that exposure is occurring. Portugal has one of the highest levels of fish consumption in the world and European hake is among the most popular. There is no tradition of consuming raw or undercooked fish in Portugal, however these products are becoming increasingly popular, and common cooking methods such as grilling do not always reach sufficient temperatures to kill parasite larvae. There has been an increase in reports of anisakiosis in the past few ...
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