Detecção de parasitos em filés de polaca do Alasca (Gadus chalcogrammus, Pallas, 1814) comercializados em São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract

Introduction: Walleye pollock is the most caught fish worldwide and has been imported by Brazil as frozen fillets. This fish has its own parasitic fauna; however, the presence of parasites in the musculature may cause implications for food safety and repulsiveness. Objective: This work aimed to investigate and report the presence of parasite groups in commercial samples of frozen fillets of walleye pollock concerning the potential risk to human health and control methods. Method: A total of 44 samples of frozen fillets of walleye pollock collected from the retail trade of the metropolitan area of São Paulo were analyzed and the larval forms were isolated by dissection and observed under a stereoscopic and optical microscope. Results: One hundred thirty-three dead parasites were found from 68% of the samples. Trypanorhyncha cestodes were detected more frequently (88%), followed by nematodes from the anisakid group (Anisakidae/Raphidascaididae) (11%) and acanthocephalan (1%). Among them, anisakid has zoonotic potential, if ingested alive, and allergenic potential even after thermal processing. Conclusions: This is the first report of the presence of parasitic forms in commercial samples of walleye pollock fillets and the results alert to the need for improvements in relation to Good Practices in the production chain and the need for greater attention on the allergenic potential related to the consumption of these parasites on frozen fish fillets.