Food was a hot topic during the Olympic Games, with reports about egg shortages in the Olympic Village and ongoing debates over the quality of those viral chocolate muffins. However, one athlete has made headlines by alleging that some people in the Olympic Village discovered worms in their fish.
"I enjoy my fish, but finding worms in it is unacceptable," British swimmer Adam Peaty told iNews. "We're talking about the world's top athletes here, and they deserve better than this."
How do worms find their way into fish?
There are several ways in which worms can end up in fish. According to food safety expert Ellen Shumaker, Ph.D., director of outreach for the Safe Plates program at North Carolina State University, fish can acquire intestinal parasites such as flukes or tapeworms by consuming infected marine life. "These parasites are commonly found in both freshwater and saltwater environments," she explains. "When fish ingest infected crustaceans, the larvae of the parasites migrate into the fish's flesh and organs. Visible worms may be present if these larvae have developed into mature worms."
When fish harbor worms, they may be visible to the naked eye or remain undetected. Shannon Stover, M.S., R.D., a food safety educator at Michigan State University Extension, describes the worms typically found in fish as small, white, or nearly transparent in color. "In certain fish species, such as cod, these worms may be more noticeable and appear darker, resembling stray bits of seaweed. Tapeworms, on the other hand, can appear gray-white with a soft, flaccid texture," Stover explains.
John Hawdon, the expert being quoted, states that if fish containing worms is frozen or thoroughly cooked, the worms will be killed and rendered harmless. However, he cautions that consuming undercooked fish or sushi that has not been properly frozen poses a risk of contracting parasitic infections. "People can get parasites," Hawdon warns, if they eat fish that has not been sufficiently heated or frozen to eliminate any potential worms or other parasites present.
"The symptoms of this type of infection can vary widely," Schumaker explains. "Some individuals may not experience any symptoms, while others might suffer from gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and weight loss."
What to do if you find worms in your fish
If you discover worms in your fish, it's best to avoid eating them. Consuming undercooked fish with live worms can increase the risk of parasitic infection. The Food and Drug Administration recommends cooking fish thoroughly to prevent such risks. However, if you find a worm in fish that's already been fully cooked, you're likely safe, though it might be an unpleasant experience.
Experts emphasize that this highlights the crucial need to adhere to food safety practices with fish. "By following the proper guidelines for cooking or freezing fish, these issues can be entirely avoided," Stover explains.