14/04/2010

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was asked by the European Commission to assess food safety relating to the presence of parasites in fish products, specifically with regard to the risk of resulting allergic reactions. In its opinion, EFSA’s Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) Panel concluded that the only parasite in fish products for human consumption likely to cause allergic reactions is Anisakis, a parasitic worm whose larvae can be found in fish flesh. The opinion of the Panel gives details on the effectiveness of freezing and heating treatments to kill or inactivate the Anisakis larvae.

The role and extent to which allergens from Anisakis can trigger allergic reactions is still not completely clear, but the risk of allergy is considered to be higher when a person eats fish infected with live larvae. Allergic reactions to Anisakis include gastroenteritis, and rheumatological and dermatological symptoms.

The Panel also said that, based on current knowledge, no sea fishing areas can be considered free of Anisakis. For the only farmed fish for which sufficient data are currently available, Atlantic salmon, the Panel concluded that when reared in floating cages or onshore tanks and fed feedstuffs not containing live parasites, the risk that this fish may become infected with Anisakis is negligible.

Allergy cases are more frequently observed in some European regions, and rarely, if at all, in other areas of Europe. This may be due to different monitoring systems and consumption habits. It is recommended that the surveillance and diagnosis of allergic reactions to parasites in fish products should be strengthened throughout the EU. The Panel encourages further studies on the disease, including the life cycle of the parasites, their geographic distribution and the role of farming practices in parasite propagation.

The Panel added that in order to reduce the cases of allergies it is important to provide health professionals, people working in the fish industry and the general public with information on the risks resulting from these parasites, as well as on best methods to eliminate them.

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