Most people are aware of the risks associated with consuming fish, but many are still tempted to do so. The reasons behind this are complicated and involve many different factors, but one of the main contributing factors is that there are not always obvious signs when a fish is contaminated. In some cases, the only way to know for sure is by testing it, which is both inconvenient and expensive.
Why Not Eat Venison Instead?
For those who want to stray from the mainstream and try new things, they may wonder why not go for game instead of fish. After all, there are similar risks associated with both, and venison is often cheaper and more readily available. While this is certainly true, there are some key differences that make fish far more dangerous than game to consume. First of all, when choosing game, you are usually making a choice between fresh and frozen varieties, both of which are safe to eat. However, choosing fish means you are usually eating an already dead animal, and the process of killing and preparing it makes it far more dangerous. Another difference between game and fish is that when you are hunting game, you are more likely to find the freshest and best-quality meat, which is what makes it more appetizing and desirable. With fish, this is not always the case. It can be quite a while after the fish has been caught that its quality starts to deteriorate, and even then, there are certain methods of preservation that can only be used for some fish species (like herring) and not others (like salmon)
The Dangers Of Decomposing Fish
When fish decay, they become filled with bacteria. This is a dangerous substance for humans to consume, particularly since some of the types of bacteria that may be in the fish can cause illness. Some of the illnesses that may be caused by decomposing fish include:
- blood poisoning
- bacterial dysentery
- hepatitis
- tuberculosis
- encephalitis
- guillain-barré syndrome
One of the key dangers posed by decomposing fish is that the rotting flesh can cause intestinal blockage. Intestinal blockage is a condition where food is trapped inside the digestive system, which may cause severe pain and even death. In some cases, surgery to remove the blockage is required, but frequently this is not the case and the patient must simply live with it.
What About Shellfish Consumption?
For those who are particularly adventurous and want to test the boundaries of their culinary delights, they may wonder whether to include shellfish in their diet. Unfortunately, consuming shellfish presents dangers similar to those of eating fish, and in some cases, the symptoms can be a lot more serious. In fact, some kinds of shellfish can be toxic even when consumed in small quantities. In the event of an accident or poisoning, the effects of eating shellfish may include:
- abdominal cramps
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- weakness
- jaundice
- numbness
- heartburn
- drowsiness
Since it’s usually easy for people to underestimate the dangers of eating certain foods, it’s important to understand the risks before you indulge. In many cases, you have to weigh these risks against the benefits of trying something new and exciting, and only then can you make an intelligent decision.