Anisakis survival in refrigerated fish products under CO2 modified-atmosphere

With the aim to assess the survival of Anisakis infection in fish stored under CO2 modified-atmosphere, third-stage larvae (L3) of Anisakis simplex were inoculated in samples of skinless fish musculature and then packaged in three different CO2 modified-atmospheres commonly used to preserved fresh fish products. The microenvironment provided by CO2 modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) does not impair the well-being and somatic antigenic properties of Anisakis larvae in infected fresh fish. This result indicates that MAP does not protect against anisakiasis risk. Therefore proactive regular inspections in commercial fresh fish should be done by MAP operators in fishery industries to ensure that healthy products (i.e., parasite-free fish products) reach the consumer, thus accomplishing with the co-responsibility criterion established in the EU food hygiene legislation.