Is It Safe to Eat Salmon With Worms?

Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish available. However, salmon often contains parasitic worms, which can be an unappetizing surprise for consumers. This article examines whether it is safe to eat salmon that contains worms.

What Types of Worms Are Found in Salmon?

There are a few common worm species that can be found in salmon:

• Anisakid nematodes – These are roundworms that can embed in the flesh They are the most frequently seen parasite in wild salmon

• Diphyllobothrium tapeworms – These ribbon-shaped worms transmit through undercooked fish. They can grow very long inside human intestines

• Nanophyet trematodes – These tiny flatworms can encyst in salmon flesh. High numbers may indicate heavy water pollution.

Are Worms in Salmon Dangerous?

Most worms found in salmon are not inherently dangerous to humans. However, there are a few concerns to note:

• Allergies – Some people may have allergic reactions to worm proteins. Symptoms include rash, nausea, cramps.

• Infection – Large numbers of live worms can potentially infect people if eaten. Nematodes and tapeworms may embed in intestines.

• Toxins – Nanophyet trematodes can transmit neorickettsiosis. Symptoms include fever, headaches, vomiting. Proper cooking kills them.

So while not universally dangerous, worms do pose some health risks if consumed live. Thorough cooking, freezing, or smoking salmon will deactivate or kill any worms present.

How to Tell if Salmon Contains Worms

It can be difficult to visually identify worms in salmon, but here are some signs to look for:

• Small dark spots on the flesh – These may be worm larvae.

• Thin trails under the skin – Indicates burrowing nematodes.

• White cysts in the meat – Caused by encysted nanophyet flukes.

• Movement in the fillet – Obvious indicator of live worms.

• Pinkish worms around organs – Tapeworm segments may be visible.

So inspect the salmon closely before cooking or consuming raw. Do not eat any questionable parts. Proper storage and freezing can also help kill worms.

Is Eating Salmon With Worms Ever Safe?

If properly handled, salmon with worms can be safe to eat after cooking. Follow these guidelines:

• Cook thoroughly – Heat fish to at least 145°F to kill any worms present.

• Freeze adequately – Storing at -4°F for over 24 hours also deactivates worms.

• Buy treated fish – Some salmon is frozen or treated to kill parasites beforehand.

• Remove visible worms – Cut away any segments or larvae you see on the meat.

• Avoid high-risk groups – Don’t feed raw salmon to young children or pregnant women.

So while not recommended, it is possible to safely consume salmon with worms if proper care is taken. Make sure to take preventative measures and fully cook fish whenever possible.

How to Reduce Risk of Worms When Eating Salmon

Here are some tips to avoid or limit worms when preparing salmon:

• Buy farmed salmon – Almost always worm-free since the fish do not eat infected prey.

• Cook thoroughly – Heat fish to 145°F, the temperature that kills parasites.

• Freeze first – Storing at sub-zero temperatures for over 24 hours kills worms.

• Marinate in vinegar – An acidic marinade may help rupture worm larvae.

• Soak in brine or lemon juice – Can help loosen worm holds and draw them out.

• Remove the belly flaps – Worm cysts tend to concentrate around internal organs.

• Examine closely – Check for any dark spots, trails, or movement on the raw salmon.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can largely eliminate the risks from worms in salmon. When in doubt though, thoroughly cook the fish to be completely safe.

What to Do If You Eat a Worm From Salmon

If you happen to ingest a worm from infected salmon, here is what you should do:

• Don’t panic – In most cases, no treatment is needed and symptoms are mild.

• Check for allergies – Monitor for rashes, cramps, or nausea in the hours following.

• Contact your doctor – Describe symptoms and details about the worm or fish eaten.

• Get tested – Your doctor may order scans or stool studies to check for infection.

• Take antihistamines – If allergic response occurs, antihistamines can relieve symptoms.

• Use antiparasitics – Medications may be prescribed if worms establish in intestines.

• Avoid raw salmon – Cook all fish thoroughly for a few months after infection.

For most people, swallowing a worm from salmon will not lead to serious health consequences. But always contact a doctor if concerning symptoms develop after eating questionable fish. Be ready to provide as many details as possible about the worm and fish consumed.

Key Takeaways on Salmon With Worms

Here are the key points to remember:

• Small roundworms and flatworms are commonly found in wild salmon. Proper freezing, cooking, or smoking can deactivate worms.

• It is best to avoid eating raw salmon with visible worms. Cook thoroughly to 145°F or freeze at -4°F for 24+ hours to kill worms.

• Light allergic reactions are possible from worm proteins. Symptoms include rash, nausea, cramps. Seek medical care for severe reactions.

• Check fish closely before cooking and discard any dubious parts. Buying treated salmon can reduce worm risks.

• If you swallow a worm, monitor for symptoms, but serious infection is unlikely. Contact your doctor if concerning symptoms develop.

So in conclusion, it is generally safe to eat properly handled salmon with worms. But fully cooking the fish provides an extra layer of protection against any parasitic infection. Use care when consuming raw salmon, and speak with your doctor if you have any concerns after accidentally eating worms.

The white, stringy things in salmon are likely muscle fibers called myosepta or albumin. These connective tissues hold the muscles together, and they become more visible when the salmon is cooked.