Question: Are there worms in salmon?
I often eat raw salmon. Someone recently told me it could have worms that could enter my body. Are there worms in salmon?
Answer: A warning to sushi-lovers using raw salmon: fish that lives full or part-time in freshwater may carry tapeworm larvae, which can cause infection in humans.
To avoid contamination without cooking, be sure to freeze the fish at 0 degrees F. (-18 degrees C.) at least 24 hours in advance of consumption. If you cannot maintain 0 degrees F. in your freezer, freezing for 72 hours at 14 degrees F. (-10 degrees C.) should do the trick.
Cooking fish at a temperature of at least 135 degrees F. (57 degrees C.) for five minutes will destroy the larvae.
• Worms in Salmon - FAQ
• Salmon Spawning and Cooking Tips
• Salmon History
• Salmon Lore and Legends
• Salmon Recipes
Salmon Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.
To avoid contamination without cooking, be sure to freeze the fish at 0 degrees F. (-18 degrees C.) at least 24 hours in advance of consumption. If you cannot maintain 0 degrees F. in your freezer, freezing for 72 hours at 14 degrees F. (-10 degrees C.) should do the trick.
Cooking fish at a temperature of at least 135 degrees F. (57 degrees C.) for five minutes will destroy the larvae.
More About Salmon and Salmon Recipes
• Salmon Selection, Storage, and Freezing• Worms in Salmon - FAQ
• Salmon Spawning and Cooking Tips
• Salmon History
• Salmon Lore and Legends
• Salmon Recipes
Salmon Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.
