Should you avoid tuna? Government says no

India's government has advised consumers that there is no need to stop eating tuna or other commonly available fish, despite reports of parasitic infections in fish caught off the coast of Brazil. The agriculture ministry's advisory follows a study by the ICAR-CMFRI, which found no external signs of harmful parasitic infestation in fish caught along the Indian coast, including tuna.

The institute cautioned against applying findings from one region to fish caught in Indian waters, as the occurrence and abundance of parasites can vary between individual fish and different geographical regions due to ecological conditions and the presence of intermediate or secondary hosts. ICAR-CMFRI director Grinson George explained that scientists regularly examine fish for abnormalities and parasites as part of their research.

Proper handling, cleaning, and cooking practices in India provide an additional safety measure, as seafood is typically cooked at high temperatures. The institute emphasized that consumers should follow proper food preparation and handling techniques to minimize any potential risks associated with parasites.