Australians urged to take care with raw seafood as 60 pct consume it

Baku, November 2, AZERTAC About 60 percent of Australians consume raw fish or seafood, with 17 percent eating it at least weekly, prompting food safety experts to warn of the risks of foodborne illnesses and parasites, according to Xinhua. Ahead of Australian Food Safety Week, running from Nov. 7 to 14, the Food Safety Information Council released research on Monday showing that raw seafood consumption is widespread, including in dishes such as sushi, sashimi and ceviche, which can pose food safety risks, including from parasites.

Council Scientific Director Julian Cox said raw fish could carry parasites and harmful bacteria, while traditional additions such as vinegar, lemon juice or salt would not reliably kill the infectious stages of parasites, destroy toxins or kill pathogens. The research found that 18 percent of respondents prepared raw fish dishes using purchased fish, while 5 percent used fish they had caught themselves. Another 4 percent bought pre-made raw fish dishes through social media vendors, who may be unregulated. Cox warned that pregnant women, the elderly and those…