Sushi: Healthy Or Danger?

Raw fish poses several potential hazards for consumers besides parasites. Bacteria can develop in non-fresh fish and produce enzymes called histamines that may result in Scombroid poisoning. Certain tropical-water fish may also have a natural toxin called ciguatera which causes gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.

For decades now, doctors and media pundits have been warning us about the dangers of mercury in fish, particularly in larger varieties such as swordfish and tuna. Are we doomed to slow mercury poisoning? And how much do you have to eat, anyway, to catch a toxic dose?

Freeze it to kill parasites!

Many people believe that in order for sushi to be safe to eat, it must be really fresh. But, in fact, the opposite is often true. For many species of fish ― especially fish like salmon that have spent time in fresh water ― the safest way to eat raw fish is if it’s been previously frozen. And sometimes that means it can be frozen for up to two years.

Sushi eaters don't typically have to worry because sushi restaurants take certain steps in handling and preparing their fish. A required step involves freezing fish at temperatures of -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius) for seven days, or frozen at -31 degrees Fahrenheit (-35 degrees Celsius) for 15 hours, which kills any parasites.

While this frozen-first fact might make you a little less excited about your Saturday night sushi outing, you should know that one of the most acclaimed sushi chefs swears that with freezing technology as good as it is today, you can’t even tell the difference between fresh and frozen in a blind tasting.

Any food is potentially harmful if not handled correctly, but smart consumers can eat sensibly and enjoy – as long as fish are around.

• The best bet for a good meal involves going to a restaurant
• If you absolutely want to prepare your own sushi, buy sushi-grade fish that has been frozen per FDA regulations.
• Eat your sushi as soon as possible, and do not let it sit in the fridge for more than 24 hours.

As for me, I love salmon so that is my dietary mainstay.