Savour sushi safely: Tips for a worry-free experience
Eating raw sushi can be intimidating for many, mainly because it involves raw fish.
SHAH ALAM – Eating raw sushi can be intimidating for many, mainly because it involves raw fish, which, scientifically and hygienically, has the potential to contain parasites and other harmful bacteria.
However, ensuring the hygiene of the restaurant and that their food products have been properly frozen can mitigate these risks.
According to guidelines, raw fish should be frozen at -20°C (-4°F) for at least 24 hours or at -35°C (-31°F) for 15 hours.
Here are some steps to ensure your sushi is safe:
1. Check for the hygiene of the sushi restaurant
When visiting notable sushi restaurants, it is crucial to verify their hygiene standards.
Rather than ordering immediately, take a moment to check the restaurant's hygiene rating or have a quick look at their kitchen.
While we often assume that sushi chefs know how to handle raw food properly, complacency can lead to lapses in practice due to factors like laziness or underestimating customer concerns.
2. Don't hesitate to ask about the ingredients
It is important to inquire whether the raw fish has been treated to kill bacteria and parasites, such as through cold-smoking.
Feel free to ask if the sushi is safe to eat, even if it seems unusual in a sushi restaurant.
Waiters should be more than willing to address any questions about the ingredients and preparation methods, as this can help prevent food poisoning from improperly prepared sushi.
This awareness should extend to home preparation as well, adhering to strict guidelines for handling raw foods.
3. How to prepare sushi at home
When preparing sushi at home, it is essential to purchase sushi-grade fish, which can be found at most grocery stores.
Proper storage is also critical; raw fish should be kept separate from other foods to avoid contamination.
Handling the fish with clean hands is vital to prevent transferring bacteria from the packaging to other surfaces, which can cause cross-contamination.
While cold-smoking the fish can kill potential parasites like tapeworms and flukes, it is important to handle and prepare it correctly to minimise risks.
Although eating raw sushi may seem risky, following these guidelines ensures that it remains a safe and enjoyable culinary experience.
Do not let the misconception that raw fish always contains harmful bacteria deter you from enjoying sushi, as proper preparation and hygiene practices can effectively address these concerns.
