Russian veterinary authorities have issued a significant food safety warning after discovering live parasites in wild coho salmon caught off the coast of the remote Kamchatka Peninsula. The findings, which stem from routine monitoring in the Bering Sea and the Kamchatka River, raise concerns for the global seafood supply chain, as Russia is a major exporter of wild-caught Pacific salmon.
An investigation conducted by the Kamchatka branch of Russia’s National Center for Safety of Fish and Agricultural Products confirmed the presence of parasites in all tested samples. The fish were found to be infested with viable larvae of Anisakis nematodes, commonly known as roundworms, as well as several species of cestodes, or tapeworms. According to the official report, the parasites were located throughout the body cavity and on the surface of the fish’s internal organs.
The discovery has international implications, as the affected fishing grounds in the Bering Sea are a critical source of seafood for markets around the world. The presence of these parasites in commercially harvested salmon highlights a potential health risk that extends far beyond Russia’s borders, potentially impacting importers and consumers in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Health officials warn that consuming raw or undercooked fish containing these parasites can lead to serious gastrointestinal diseases in humans, such as anisakiasis. The risk is particularly high for dishes like sushi, sashimi, or ceviche. Consumers are strongly advised that only thorough cooking or commercial-grade deep-freezing can effectively kill the parasites and ensure the fish is safe for consumption.