4 tips to avoid food poisoning when having sushi

Sushi-based food poisoning is a common fear among fans of the rice-based dish. Discover why there's no need for you to write off the tiny delicacies.
Food poisoning from sushi generally presents the same symptoms as most other cases of food poisoning, namely stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

Generally speaking, food poisoning doesn't require special treatment. However, it’s very important to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. Complications can arise in pregnant women, young children, or the elderly—in those cases, you should consult a health professional.

You won’t have to cancel your next outing to the local sushi restaurant or banish that fast-food sushi tray from your lunch options. Serious sushi restaurants know how to safely handle and prepare raw fish, and the risk of food poisoning from sushi is actually rather low. Homemade sushi, on the other hand, deserves closer attention.

It’s a well-known fact that raw meat and fish are a major source of food poisoning. A bout can occur when you eat food that has been contaminated by bacteria, a parasite, or a virus. So before you put on your sushi chef hat, take a lot of care at the grocery store when choosing the fish you want to use.

1. Freeze the fish: Preparing sushi with frozen fish is the safest way to avoid the risk of contamination. Freezing the fish at -20°C for more than 24 hours eliminates parasites. You can now safely invite your friends over for a sushi-rolling party.
2. Choose the right type of fish: Some types of fish, such as tuna, are less susceptible to parasites. Opt for fish from the Atlantic, as there is generally less risk of infection than with fish from the Pacific.
3. Pay attention to the rice: Because raw meat is the first thing that comes to mind when we think about food poisoning, we tend to forget about the rice. But because the rice is used when lukewarm, it also contributes to the risk of food poisoning from sushi. If you want to ensure that your delicious sushi doesn’t serve as the main course for bacteria, make sure the rice is well sprinkled with a vinegar preparation.
4. Wash and wash again:Another widespread source of contamination is the improper handling of food. It isn’t enough to wash your hands before preparing sushi. Remember to properly clean all the instruments that will be used in the handling of the raw fish, and wash your hands again before touching other foods.