Parasites Again in Food... How to Prevent and Handle Infections?

Found in Assorted Sashimi After Hamburger... Consumer Anxiety Grows
1 in 10 Koreans Experienced Kaehoe-chung Infection... Symptoms May Include Fever, Chills, Muscle Pain

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[Asia Economy Culture Young Intern Reporter] Parasites were found in assorted sashimi purchased at a Hanaro Mart in Chungju, Chungbuk. Citizen A, who bought the assorted sashimi, discovered 3 to 4 live parasites in a piece of sashimi while eating it at home. A immediately visited Hanaro Mart, and the store responded that they plan to conduct a full inspection of the yellowtail and issue a refund, promising to pay more attention to hygiene.

Afterward, A took antiparasitic medication and, thinking that other citizens might have also eaten the same assorted sashimi, reported the matter to the Chungju City Hall Hygiene Department. However, the response A received from the city officials was that they had "provided guidance to operate hygienically." A city official stated, "Anisakis parasites in yellowtail do not pose a health risk to humans," and added, "We will also consider the possibility of it being Anisakis simplex."

Last month, a complaint was filed regarding a substance suspected to be a parasite found in a hamburger patty at a McDonald's store in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, prompting an investigation by McDonald's Korea. McDonald's stated, "Since the product cannot be recalled, it is currently difficult to accurately identify the foreign substance, but based on the submitted photo, it is presumed to be a type of Anisakis parasite." They further explained, "Our suppliers use detectors to identify and remove foreign substances such as Anisakis and tiny fish bones when producing fish fillets, but it is possible that not all foreign substances are completely removed."

As parasites have been repeatedly found in food, consumer anxiety is increasing. Especially in summer and early autumn, the risk of parasite infection is high due to the frequent consumption of raw food, vegetables, and fruits. Experts estimate that 1 in 10 Koreans has been infected with Anisakis at some point. Symptoms of parasite infection vary depending on the type, degree of infection, affected area, and the patient's health condition, but in the case of Anisakis infection, most symptoms are similar to mild flu. However, fever, chills, muscle pain, anemia, and fatigue may also occur.

Regarding liver flukes, the national infection rate was 1.9% as of last year. It is the parasite with the highest infection rate and mainly occurs when freshwater fish are eaten raw. Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, and diarrhea, and in severe cases, it can cause gallstones, cholecystitis, and bile duct cancer. Infants should be cautious of pinworms. About 10% of preschool children are infected, characterized by itching around the anus, so special attention to hygiene management is required in group settings such as kindergartens.

To prevent parasite infections, food should be thoroughly cooked, and antiparasitic medication should be taken regularly once a year. To enhance the effectiveness of the medication, it is recommended to take it on an empty stomach. If symptoms such as anal itching, abdominal pain, or rash persist after taking the medication, a hospital examination is essential.