Scientists Found a Rise in Parasitic 'Sushi Worms' When They Opened 40 Years' Worth of Salmon Cans: 'Good News'
Yahoo • • science
Key Points:
- A study published in Ecology and Evolution found that parasitic worms in canned Alaskan salmon have increased since the 1970s, particularly in chum and pink salmon, while levels remained stable in sockeye and coho salmon.
- Researchers attribute the rise in worms to the recovery of marine mammal populations following the 1970s Mammal Protection Act, as these mammals are the final hosts for the parasites.
- The worms found in canned salmon are dead due to the canning process and generally pose no health risk to consumers, though individuals allergic to worm proteins may experience reactions.
- Consuming raw fish, such as sushi or sashimi, carries a higher risk since live worms can penetrate the intestinal wall and cause severe health issues
