What Eating Fish Can Cause

Eating raw or improperly cooked fish can lead to parasitic infections such as:

• Anisakiasis – caused by the Anisakis worm, often found in raw marine fish.

• Diphyllobothriasis – caused by the fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum), one of the largest human parasites.

• Clonorchiasis – caused by the Chinese liver fluke (Clonorchis sinensis), often from freshwater fish.

🐟 Fish Most Likely to Contain Parasites

• Salmon (especially wild-caught)

• Herring

• Mackerel

• Trout

• Cod

• Freshwater fish such as carp or catfish (commonly infected with liver flukes)

Farmed fish are generally

less likely to contain parasites than wild-caught fish, but contamination can still occur if handling or freezing standards are poor.

🍣 Should You Eat Raw Fish?

It’s not recommended unless you’re

absolutely sure it’s sushi-grade (which means it has been deep-frozen to kill parasites).
Raw fish dishes like sushi, sashimi, ceviche, or raw pickled fish can carry high risks if prepared incorrectly.

✅ Safe Practices

1. Cook fish to 63°C (145°F) – heat kills parasites effectively.

2. Freeze fish at -20°C (-4°F) for at least 7 days or -35°C (-31°F) for 15 hours before eating raw.

3. Avoid raw freshwater fish entirely — parasites survive freezing better than in saltwater species.

4. Buy from reputable sources that follow food safety standards.

Should children eat fish?

Yes — children should eat fish

, but with careful selection and preparation. 

Why Children Should Eat Fish

1. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA)

   • Fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel contain omega-3s, which are

     essential for brain and eye development in children.

   • DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) helps improve memory, concentration, and learning ability.

2. High-Quality Protein

   • Fish provides lean, easily digestible protein, which helps build muscles and tissues as children grow.

3. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals

   • Fish is an excellent source of vitamin D, B12, iodine, selenium, and zinc, all vital for a strong immune system and bone health.

4. Supports Heart Health from a Young Age

   • Regular fish consumption helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.

Safety Concerns

While fish is healthy, parents need to be cautious about:

1. Mercury Levels

   • Avoid high-mercury fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.

   • Choose safer options like salmon, tilapia, sardines, cod, and trout.

2. Parasites and Bacteria

   • Do not feed raw or undercooked fish

     (like sushi or sashimi) to children — it can cause parasite or bacterial infections.

   • Always cook fish thoroughly until it’s opaque and flakes easily.

3. Allergies

   • Introduce fish gradually, starting with small amounts, to check for any

     allergic reaction such as rashes or swelling.