Sushi can be as fresh, light and healthy as it is trendy. Unfortunately, your favorite sushi joint may be a breeding ground for parasites and bacteria that cause digestive upset, food poisoning and other illnesses. Some types of sushi are at a higher risk of parasite contamination than others. If you know what types to order and what conditions make for fresh sushi, you can minimize your risk.
Step 1
Eat cooked or smoked sushi. Cooking or smoking fish lowers your risk of parasite infestation, but it doesn't entirely eliminate it, as many popular sushi rolls require lightly or partially cooked fish.
Step 2
Eat vegetable rolls made without fish. These rolls are instead prepared with rice, avocado, carrots, seaweed and other vegetables. Vegetarian rolls pose a low risk of parasite contamination.
Step 3
Order from reputable restaurants instead of eating at a friend's house or from a grocery store. "Fish sold to sushi restaurants for raw consumption is generally frozen to -31 degrees F for at least 15 hours, which will kill any parasites," says Delia A. Hammock, M.S., R.D. for "Good Housekeeping."
Step 4
Eat your sushi right away or immediately refrigerate it at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Order and store vegetable rolls, sashimi rolls and other types of sushi in separate containers to avoid cross contamination.
Step 5
Don't be afraid to talk to the chef or owner about your meal. Ask about the origin of the fish and its freshness as well as how it's stored and prepared. Talk to your friends and neighbors about their experiences with food poisoning or parasites.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid sushi altogether if you're pregnant, elderly or have a compromised immune system unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
