Is the tuna sashimi I ate safe? Parasites found in 96% of Brazil’s skipjack tuna

Parasites were found in 96% of 53 skipjack tuna caught in waters off southern Brazil, according to research from the Federal University of Santa Catarina.

The researchers reported their findings in the journal Ocean and Coastal Research. They found about 1,600 parasites in the fish examined. Most appeared in the organs, but many were also detected in the flesh, which people commonly eat as sashimi.

No parasites were found in the kidneys or hearts. Skipjack tuna is widely used for sashimi, canned products and dried bonito.

Eating contaminated or undercooked fish can cause gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The researchers advised cooking the fish thoroughly to lower the risk of infection and recommended removing the organs quickly after the fish is caught, to prevent parasites from moving into the flesh.