The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), a research body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, has told consumers they should not stop eating tuna or other commercially available fish based on recent reports of parasites found in fish from other parts of the world. The Institute has clarified that fish examined along Indian coasts, including tuna varieties, show no visible signs of harmful parasitic infection and that findings from distant regions should not be applied to Indian waters.
The advisory responds to international reports about parasites discovered in skipjack tuna caught in the Atlantic Ocean near Brazil. ICAR-CMFRI has stressed that parasite presence and levels vary widely between individual fish and geographical regions depending on local ecological conditions.
Key facts
- ICAR-CMFRI is based in Kochi
- The advisory follows parasite reports from skipjack tuna caught in the Atlantic Ocean off Brazil
- Fish examined by the Institute along Indian coasts have not shown external signs of harmful parasitic infestation
- Dr Grinson George is Director of ICAR-CMFRI
- The Institute regularly conducts fish biology studies that include examination for parasites and abnormalities
Why parasite presence varies by region
Parasites in fish are not uniform across the world. Their presence and abundance depend heavily on ecological conditions specific to each region, including the availability of intermediate hosts such as copepods (small crustaceans). The same fish species found in different oceans or coastal areas can have vastly different levels of parasitic infection. Scientists worldwide use variations in parasite occurrence as a tool to distinguish between different fish populations and stocks of the same species. This means findings about fish from one geographical location cannot simply be extended to the same species caught elsewhere.
What ICAR-CMFRI has found in Indian waters
Scientists at ICAR-CMFRI regularly examine fish, including skipjack tuna, as part of ongoing fish biology research. When they inspect these fish for abnormalities and parasites, they do not observe external signs of harmful parasitic infestation in the samples from Indian waters. This regular monitoring provides a local basis for assessing the safety of fish caught along the Indian coast.
Safe handling and cooking practices
While the Institute confirms Indian tuna is safe based on its monitoring, it also recommends additional food safety measures. Proper and prompt removal of fish intestines and other internal organs during cleaning and processing is essential. The viscera, where parasites might be present, are normally removed during standard fish preparation. Cooking at high temperatures is equally important as it kills parasites and eliminates associated food safety risks.
In some countries, people consume raw or lightly cooked seafood as part of cultural traditions. In such cases, the risk from parasites becomes higher if the local fish have not been properly assessed for parasite prevalence. India typically prepares seafood through high temperature cooking, which provides an additional layer of protection against any parasitic risk.
What this means for you
If you eat fish regularly or are concerned about recent parasite reports in the news, you can continue buying and consuming Indian tuna and other commercially available fish without worry. The Institute’s regular monitoring shows Indian fish are safe. To further protect yourself, ensure fish is cleaned properly by removing all internal organs, and cook it thoroughly at high temperatures. Avoid consuming raw fish unless you are certain about its source and the parasite status of fish from that specific region. You need not change your seafood consumption habits based on what has been found in fish from other countries or regions.
Connection to existing food safety frameworks
This advisory fits within India’s broader food safety oversight. ICAR-CMFRI, as part of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, conducts scientific research to support food safety decisions. The Institute’s regular monitoring of fish biology and health contributes to the evidence base that informs both consumers and food safety authorities about the quality and safety of fish available in Indian markets.