Can loaches be eaten raw?
I craved something fresh and ate raw loaches, and for the past few days I've had severe abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea, and nausea. I'd like to ask, is it safe to eat loaches raw?
Doctor's answer (1)
Loaches are generally not recommended to be eaten raw.
Loaches live in muddy environments and may carry pathogens and parasites within their bodies. Consuming them raw could result in these parasites infesting human skin and internal organs, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and allergic reactions. In severe cases, it could even lead to gastrointestinal perforation. Pregnant women, children, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems should especially avoid eating raw loaches.
High temperatures during cooking can effectively kill these harmful organisms and reduce the risk of contamination. Therefore, to ensure food safety and health, loaches should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. It is recommended to prepare loaches by steaming, boiling, frying, or similar methods, which can kill parasites and bacteria while preserving the nutritional value of the loach. Eating them only after they are fully cooked can effectively eliminate pathogens carried by the loach and reduce the risk of illness.
Ensure the ingredients are from reliable sources and have undergone appropriate processing and inspection, although this still cannot completely eliminate risks. In addition, individuals allergic to loaches and those suffering from gout should avoid consuming loaches.
