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The response of Anisakis larvae to freezing

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2024

D.A. Wharton*
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
O. Aalders
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
*
*Fax: 064 3 479 7584 E-mail: david.wharton@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

Abstract

Anisakis third stage larvae utilize a variety of fish as intermediate hosts. Uncooked fish are rendered safe for human consumption by freezing. Larvae freeze by inoculative freezing from the surrounding medium but can survive freezing at temperatures down to -10°C. This ability may be aided by the production of trehalose, which can act as a cryoprotectant, but does not involve recrystallization inhibition. Monitoring of fish freezing in commercial blast freezers and under conditions which simulate those of a domestic freezer, indicate that it can take a long time for all parts of the fish to reach a temperature that will kill the larvae. This, and the moderate freezing tolerance of larvae, emphasizes the need for fish to be frozen at a low enough temperature and for a sufficient time to ensure that fish are safe for consumption.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2002

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