Anisakiosis is a significant zoonotic disease caused by parasitic nematodes of the Anisakis genus. It can be contracted by humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish contaminated with the parasite, leading to gastrointestinal and allergic symptoms. While anisakiosis is not frequently documented in Portugal, the presence of allergic reactions to Anisakis in Spain suggests ongoing exposure in the Iberian Peninsula. To address this concern, the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research in Porto, Portugal, in collaboration with the Biology Centre of Czech Academy of Sciences in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, has proposed a project entitled 'Assessing Portuguese Health Risks: Anisakis Parasite in Atlantic Chub Mackerel (Scomber colias) Sold in Portuguese Markets' under the European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme. The primary objective of the project is to gather valuable epidemiological data on the host, Atlantic chub mackerel (S. colias) and the parasitic nematode (Anisakis spp.) with the focus on assessing contamination levels and evaluating potential health risks associated with anisakiosis in the Portuguese population. By conducting this research, the project aims to contribute to the understanding of anisakiosis and its impact on public health in Portugal. Investigation of the presence of the Anisakis parasite in Atlantic chub mackerel sold in Portuguese markets will provide crucial insights into the risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked fish. Ultimately, our findings will aid in the development of preventive measures and guidelines to ensure the well-being of the Portuguese population.
Keywords: Anisakis; EFSA; disease; fish parasite; risk assessment.
© 2023 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.